This Scenic New Mexico Hike Is Even Better in the Winter

If you're looking to undertake a beautiful winter hike in New Mexico, then you'll love the Middle Fork Lake Trail north of Taos. This hike has so much to offer, including high elevation, clear streams, incredible views, and lush forest. The Middle Fork Lake Trail will remind you yet again why New Mexico is known as The Land of Enchantment—you're going to be enchanted for sure. Read on to learn more about this memorable and worthwhile hike. You'll love it!

The Middle Fork Lake Trail is stunning. This trail is wonderful at any time of the year, but it's one that truly stands out in New Mexico's wintertime. This trail is located in the Carson National Forest, just north of Taos, and is adjacent to New Mexico's tallest peak, Mount Wheeler.

This is an out-and-back trail that is 4.6 miles in length round trip, and you'll gain 1,217 feet of elevation along the way. At the summit, you'll be more than 10,000 feet above sea level, so you can expect some snow and cold temperatures up there, especially on a winter hike. Be sure to dress appropriately to stay warm and wear proper footwear for the adventure. Fortunately, the trail is all downhill on the way back to your car.

Round trip, this trail takes most hikers approximately three hours to complete. On your ascent (and later, on your descent, too), you'll pass through forests full of aspen and conifers. You'll be amazed by your quiet and serene surroundings. This trail is a popular one, but in the winter, it's likely that you'll go long stretches without encountering other hikers.

This trail is dog-friendly, but you'll have to keep your four-legged friend on a leash. You may also encounter some mountain bikers on your route, even in the winter, so stay alert.

The trail is wide most of the way, but it also becomes quite steep in some areas. Switchbacks make it a little easier, but parts of it can be challenging, even though this trail is ranked moderate overall. Take your time and be careful. You should also stay vigilant; some wild cats have been spotted along this trail.

Although this trail can be a bit difficult, it's not that long, and the reward at the end is well worth it. Middle Fork Lake is beautiful. This lake is fed by snowmelt from Wheeler and Walters peaks, and it is the source of the Red River, the shortest river in the state, which moseys 18 miles downhill to the Rio Grande from this point.

After you spend some time at the lake, it's time to head back down the way that you came. Hopefully, you'll have a beautiful, blue sky day when you choose to tackle this hike, but even if it starts to snow on your way back to your car, this trail is easy to stay on track and follow.

You'll love this very special New Mexico hike! The Middle Fork Lake Trail is one that everyone enjoys and is one that you'll always remember. After conquering it in the winter, perhaps you'll consider trying it in all four seasons in the future!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.