Nestled In The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Lake Katherine Has Some Of The Clearest Water In New Mexico
New Mexico has no shortage of hiking trails. Whether you are looking for a quick trek to pass a lazy afternoon or a grueling backpacking trip, you can find it all in this enchanting landscape. If the latter option sounds like an adventure right up your alley, you’ll want to make the trek to Lake Katherine.
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Tucked away in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico, Lake Katherine is a true hidden gem.
The trail is steep, the elevation can feel daunting, and switchbacks near the lake can be intimidating to novice hikers. For that reason, you may want to consider upping your game on leg day in the weeks before this hike.
Your arrival at Lake Katherine, however, makes the trek entirely worth it.
Enjoy the glassy waters and the refreshing scent of the pines surrounding the lake.
While it is possible to complete this trail in a day, that doesn't leave much time to enjoy the scenery and crisp mountain air before making it back to your vehicle before sundown.
Be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the wilderness for future generations. Keep in mind that camping sites and campfires must be located at least 200 feet from the lake.
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
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