Excellent trail with great payoff at the end with interesting cave system. Not too strenuous, well marked and one water crossing.
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This track unfortunately shows the long "Official" route which is 3 miles longer than the privately maintained historic trail, which follows the creek instead of making the big switchback uphill. Most folks use this historic trail now, so it is well worn at the turn-off, and then it is better maintained than the official one for the rest of the way. SW Explorers will post this route soon here, with a loop back on the 271 trail for variety.
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A very long, non technical hike. Remember the long uphill on the way back.
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Beautiful and moderately challenging hike up to a pristine mountain lake. A large section of the trail is not maintained by the forest service, but it is totally manageable aside from a few fallen trees. Started the hike at 8:30 am in early June when temps were around 50 degrees. Finished around 12:30 and temps had climbed to mid 70s, with lots of overhead sun. Incredible hike!
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Very strenuous hike…didn’t quite make it to the SF Baldy summit. But still an enjoyable hike. 😎
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We(4 guys) do a backpacking trip at the end of every summer. This ranks as our favorite. It’s a difficult hike from the Santa Fe Ski area via the Windsor trail. We set up camp and then Summit Baldy in the morning. Surreal views from up top including Lake Katherine ( named by Oppenheimer). Of note, firewood is scarce in the Lake Katherine area. On weekdays in off season you’ll have it to yourself.
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A lovely hike through Aspen forests and meadows along beautiful Cave Creek up to a series of caves where the stream disappears into them.
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High meadows with lots of water and tons of wildflowers and mushrooms.
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Have done this many times. Best was in the winter, snowshoeing.
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Longer than I thought!! Fall colors were amazing on the way in; more shade and obscured views on the way out. Nice mountain views at the lake.
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This track begins at the Jacks Creek trailhead climbing to Pecos Baldy Lake, follows the 12,000 ft ridge lines around the northern Pecos while allowing summiting Pecos Baldy, the Truchas Peaks, and Chimayoso. The track then descends to cross the Pecos River near it’s source and follows the river as it increases in size. The track leaves the Pecos River at Beatty’s Flats returning to the Jacks Creek trailhead. This track provides amazing views from the ridge lines, and picturesque views at Pecos Baldy Lake, Pecos Falls, Beatty’s Flats, and other points along the trail. Elliot Barker fans can also take the small side trip to Lost Bear Lake, the subject of one of the stories in his book Beatty’s Cabin. Depending on the season, other highlights are wildflowers, Bighorn sheep, and elk.
The track passes above the source of the Pecos River, a seep coming out of the side of a ridge line below the Skyline Trail. Interested parties can drop off the ridge line and follow the Pecos River from the source down to Beatty’s Flats
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There is a long ridge walk between S Jicarita and Trouble Peak all above tree line. The views of the Truchas Peaks and Chimayosos to the south are incredible. Great views of the Wheeler peak area to the north and the Mora valley to the east as well as Jicarita peak and the Jemez range to the west as well!
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This hike was bomb! Very challenging. Have good hiking shoes and hiking poles would be helpful. I did it without but having them would have been nice. Amazing 360 degree views!! Wear a hat, bring plenty of water and a rain jacket or poncho just in case.
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Solo hiked this and hammock camped at the top by one of the lakes. Epically beautiful. Has to be the best view in the state when you get to the lakes and can see the cliffs reflecting off the glassy smooth water.
Challenging hike but not really too bad. If this is labeled “difficult” I’d say it’s on the easier side of that spectrum.
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Beautiful and moderately challenging hike up to a pristine mountain lake. A large section of the trail is not maintained by the forest service, but it is totally manageable aside from a few fallen trees. Started the hike at 8:30 am in early June when temps were around 50 degrees. Finished around 12:30 and temps had climbed to mid 70s, with lots of overhead sun. Incredible hike!
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Beautiful and moderately challenging hike up to a pristine mountain lake. A large section of the trail is not maintained by the forest service, but it is totally manageable aside from a few fallen trees. Started the hike at 8:30 am in early June when temps were around 50 degrees. Finished around 12:30 and temps had climbed to mid 70s, with lots of overhead sun. Incredible hike!
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Still a lot of snow 11000 feet plus. Switchbacks down to Katherine we’re completely covered in snow. Incredible hike, coming back to tackle Baldy next time!
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