Getting outside is always an amazing experience, and nothing beats a challenging hike that leads somewhere unique or special. New Mexico is known for its incredible rock formations, white sands, and mountains, and Deception Peak to Lake Peak is one mountain hike you won’t soon forget. At 3.3 miles long each way, with lots of elevation gain, this hike is difficult but the views are rewarding, and you will be happy you powered through.

Deception Peak can be found Santa Fe County, northeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico. At over 12,000 feet high and more than 2,500 feet of elevation gain, it is one of the more difficult hikes in New Mexico.
Patrick Kerwick/AllTrails
From the top of Deception Peak, you can get some incredible views of Nambe Lake below. Beautiful in the summer and winter, with good visibility, Deception Peak gives you one of the best views of a forest lake around.
Daniel Reese/AllTrails
There are a few different ways to reach the lake if you so choose. The most popular is to take the Nambe Lake Trail from a different starting point. However, some daring adventurers do make the trek from Deception Peak to Nambe Lake.
Steven Guyer/AllTrails

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Known as a challenging hike, you will want to make sure you have all the gear you need. Hiking boots and hiking poles are recommended, and be sure to bring lots of layers in colder months.
Lexi Bolte/AllTrails
All the hard work will be worth it for the views from the top though. If you aren't headed down to the lake, you can head over to Lake Peak, which is even taller than Deception Peak, for the second peak of your hike.
Johnathan Barnes/AllTrails
You will surely be exhausted by the end of this long steep trail, but we promise the views are worth it. There's nothing quite like seeing Nambe Lake from above.
G G/AllTrails

This is an amazing mountain hike that has it all. You’ll walk through trees, over boulders, and around cliffs, giving you the rewarding views you are looking for. Be sure to let us know what your favorite part of this hike was!

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Deception Peak, Glorieta, NM 87535, USA