This is part three of our 4 day hike in the Pecos Wilderness - New Mexico. Read Part One - Hiking to Lake Johnson. and Part Two - Lake Katharine.
What is it about water we find so amazing. We are drawn to it in nature in all its forms. Low lying fog, sun shining through morning dew, a mountain stream or an alpine lake. No matter what form it takes, water fascinates us. An amazing view is made that much more amazing when water is present. Spending one night at Lake Katharine in the Pecos Wilderness of New Mexico and I was in love. Little did I know just how amazing she truly was.
We woke up early. The sun was just beginning to kiss the top of the ridge surrounding Lake Katharine. Our plan was to summit 12,600 foot Santa Fe Baldy towering high above the lake. A trail lead to the south away from the lake and eventually around the rim to the summit. But that wasn’t the path for us. The day before we had met an old timer camping on the backside of the lake. He recommended bushwhacking up the north ridge circling around to Santa Fe Baldy. He promised we would shave at least 2 miles off our hike and see outstanding views. His suggestion intrigued us, so we set off toward the north rim.
To reach a incline that was gradual enough for hiking we had to lose a lot of elevation. Which we really didn't want to do. Instead we had the great idea to cut diagonally across a large boulder field. It was a mistake, The boulders were large, lose, and prone to sliding. We couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
As we began to climb the north ridge, Lake Katharine really began to show her beauty. The views from the ridge were breathtaking, made all the more magnificent with Katharine in view. We couldn’t stop taking pictures, it seemed every few feet provided yet another spectacular angle.
Once on the ridge the hiking was easy. Large alpine meadows extend as far as we could see. Half way around the ridge we began to see marmots on the rocks. One Marmot tried to hide in plain sight, staying completely still, believing he blended with his surroundings.
We made it to the summit without much trouble. We spent an hour or so taking in the views and calling our wives with the small amount of cell service the altitude afforded us.
We decided to take the trail back to camp. The single track looked so appealing cut among the tall alpine grass. Plus we knew it would be much safer decline than our route up. We made it back to camp and sat down along the shore of the beautiful lake. We would rest a few hours before eventually packing up camp and leaving it all behind.
Resources:
I highly recommend the Map and Guide book featured below. The map is published by the Santa Fe National Forest Service for the Pecos Wilderness Area. I use it extensively when hiking in the Lincoln National Forest. Purchase it through this link and help support MyLifeOutdoors.
The Hike:
Starting Elevation: 11,742 feet
Ending Elevation: 12,622 feet
Elevation Gain: 880 feet
Distance: 4.3 Miles Round Trip
Getting There:
Lake Katharine: 35°50'4.73"N 105°45'1.97"W
Santa Fe Baldy: 35°49'55.54"N 105°45'29.48"W
What is it about water we find so amazing. We are drawn to it in nature in all its forms. Low lying fog, sun shining through morning dew, a mountain stream or an alpine lake. No matter what form it takes, water fascinates us. An amazing view is made that much more amazing when water is present. Spending one night at Lake Katharine in the Pecos Wilderness of New Mexico and I was in love. Little did I know just how amazing she truly was.
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| Lake Katharine from the summit of Santa Fe Baldy |
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| Lake Katharine in the early morning. |
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| Hiking across a dangerous boulder field. |
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| Bushwhacking up the north rim around Lake Katharine. The climb was very steep. |
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| We began to get our first views of Lake Katharine from these breathtaking vantages. |
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| Taking in the views from atop the ridge |
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| Looking down on our campsite from high above on the ridge |
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| Lake Katharine and Santa Fe Baldy |
We made it to the summit without much trouble. We spent an hour or so taking in the views and calling our wives with the small amount of cell service the altitude afforded us.
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| High Alpine Meadows on the Ridge Surrounding Lake Katharine |
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| A Marmot who thought he was invisible |
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| Santa Fe Baldy |
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| Distant Mountain Views from the summit of Santa Fe Baldy |
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| Looking down on Lake Katharine from the Summit of Santa Fe Baldy |
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| Our Group on Santa Fe Baldy Summit |
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| Lake Katharine from above |
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| Heading back down the beaten path |
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| Santa Fe Baldy Trail |
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| Lake Stewart barely visible from the summit of Santa Fe Baldy |
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| Single Track inviting us back down the mountain |
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| Approaching TreeLine |
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| Lake Katharine Pecos Wilderness New Mexico |
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| Lake Katharine |
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| Santa Fe Baldy Trail |
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| Heading back down the Trail |
I highly recommend the Map and Guide book featured below. The map is published by the Santa Fe National Forest Service for the Pecos Wilderness Area. I use it extensively when hiking in the Lincoln National Forest. Purchase it through this link and help support MyLifeOutdoors.
The Hike:
Starting Elevation: 11,742 feet
Ending Elevation: 12,622 feet
Elevation Gain: 880 feet
Distance: 4.3 Miles Round Trip
Getting There:
Lake Katharine: 35°50'4.73"N 105°45'1.97"W
Santa Fe Baldy: 35°49'55.54"N 105°45'29.48"W
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| Map of our path around the Santa Fe Baldy rim |
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| Santa Fe Baldy Elevation Profile |