The Stunning Top-Secret Natural Lake in New Mexico Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

It always amazes me how vast our Earth is. To think that there are wilderness areas in New Mexico that are over 220,000 acres is literally mind-blowing. But that just means that there are tons of hidden spots for us to explore. One of these is Pecos Baldy Lake, located inside the Pecos Wilderness area near Tererro. Here, you’ll find a top-secret natural lake that most people don’t know about. It’s going to take some work to get to this hidden lake in New Mexico, but trust me, the end reward is worth the trek.

There are over 50 hiking trails inside the Pecos Wilderness area, and Pecos Baldy Lake is not in the top 10. But that’s what I like most about this hike, you might have the trail all to yourself. 

And even better, once you get to the lake, you can claim it as your own secret oasis. As one of the lesser-known trails inside the forest, you will encounter lots of local wildlife like elk, deer, cows, and bighorn goats, but not too many hikers. In fact, you’ll be lucky if you see another person at all, so if you’re looking for a peaceful hike with the best reward, this one is for you. 

While the reward of this trek is great, it will require some effort to reach it. This 14-mile out-and-back trail is rather challenging. Not only is the trail rocky, but there is also a 2,700-foot elevation gain. I don’t recommend this hike for beginners or kids, but you can bring the dog to enjoy this rugged adventure. You’ll be rewarded with flowing streams and the best views of the rolling hills of the forest as you make your way to the lake.

Once you get to the lake, be prepared to be blown away by its beauty. This hidden gem is tucked inside a valley surrounded by gorgeous aspen trees and the rolling hills inside the Santa Fe National Forest. For those searching for more adventure, you can hike to the top of East Pecos Baldy Peak to see the lake from a different vantage point. No matter the angle, this gem will be breathtakingly beautiful. 

This hike is best for backpacking, so plan to stay the night. It’s not a bad idea to have the trail map downloaded in case you lose signal on your phone. It’s better to be safe than sorry if you ask me. There are several ways to access the trail to this oasis, but the easiest spot is from the Jacks Creek Campground area. You can also camp here, but the lake is a much better option.

Waking up to this stunning, hidden lake in New Mexico is a nature lover's dream come true. More than likely, you'll have this stunning lake all to yourself. After you’ve soaked up all the beauty of Pecos Baldy Lake, you can explore more of the trails inside the Santa Fe National Forest. You never know what other hidden gems are waiting for you. 

Keep reading for another stunning hiking trail inside the Pecos Wilderness Area. And if you are ready to plan your trip, check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner. Of course, if you are searching for even more incredible hiking trails in the Land of Enchantment, take a look at our list featuring more than a dozen of our favorites.