Williams Lake Trail

We hiked Williams Lake for two reasons:1. To check out the turn off to the Wheeler Peak trail2. To enjoy a leisurely couple's hike before tackling the big stuffAnd both we did! The journey to the lake from Alpine Village Suites to Williams lake trail (even amongst the construction) is refreshing. We drove to the trailhead, but if you're looking for a more strenuous hike, you can certain add a few extra miles (and a lot of elevation) by hiking amongst the residential mountain homes to the trailhead. If you're from out of town, be mindful of the weather, and make sure you have the adequate mods/the appropriate vehicle for driving to the trailhead. It almost goes without saying, but, speaking of weather, dress appropriately for three hike. At that altitude, we caught first snow of the season, so although the ski lifts were not running, we still needed our gloves and such towards the middle and end of the hike (even though there was no snow to be found further down the mountain).The hike itself is alright, not the most picturesque, and there aren't a ton of switchbacks if that's your thing, but it's very accessible and full of fresh air as well as moments to enjoy. The lake is a lake, but it's pretty expansive, and there's a good amount to explore. The vibe is forest adventure, and the trail is well maintained. While out, we saw a handful of doggos on the trail with their owners, couples, and small groups. So why am I hating on nature? Why give nature 4-stars?! Because this is a man made trail, and the current abundance of construction completely breaks the illusion. I'm sure it'll be back to 5 stars once the construction/selective tree demolition etc is complete.If you're in the area, no matter your skill level, highly recommend this quickie of a hike! Bonus points: when you complete your hike (if you choose to hike during season), you're rewarded with a Bavarian restaurant near the trailhead.

Took me 3.5 hrs to hike this 4 mile RT trail. Hey, I stop to take pictures, mkay? But if I can do it, well, it can't be too hard, but I've done much tougher.Drive up through unpaved road to nice parking area walk past a Bavarian restaurant (I will return there for lunch) and past a ski lift. Your on your way to Nirvana. Bring someone special with you!

The Williams Lake Trail is a fairly popular trail, and one that a lot of folks recommend for tourists and novice hikers, of which I was both. It begins at the Taos Ski Valley, near the Bavarian Restaurant. In fact, I just followed the signs to the Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant and found the sign for the Williams Lake Trail parking lot. The hike is about 4 miles round trip, and ends at a beautiful alpine "lake" (more like a very large pond). If you are not from these parts, then you may struggle a bit with the altitude. The trailhead is at about 10,000 feet and the lake is at 11,000 elevation. I was definitely struggling with pumping enough air through my lungs.The trail is well-marked and well-trodden. It is also fairly busy so you will see plenty of other hikers around. The first 25% of the trail is gravel road and tall grass. The middle 50% goes through some beautiful forest, so plenty of shade here. The last 25% or so passes large meadows filled with boulders.

A beginner's hike for the locals but a more intermediate hike for those of us that live at sea level. This hiking trail is sure to get you close to nature and you'll probably see some wildlife - on our visit we saw some pretty furry bighorn sheep and a bald eagle. Be prepared to take the 1,800 foot climb at your own pace, there isn't an oxygen rental center at the end of the trail (at 11,100 feet above sea level)!!!

This was still snow blanketed, deep, but it was colder so the snow held up pretty well until the way back(fell in up to thigh). During winter the trails are varied as people just trudged off this way and that but if you follow the blue paint trail markings on the trees you will do fine...what an awesome adventure to the lake. We were greeted at our resting spot by chipmunks...we stayed in town for a day then went on the hike so it wasn't as bad but slow and steady and breathingwill be better.