Pecos Wildnerness

[russwm]

Has anyone ever gone backpacking, hiking or camping in the Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico. I am planning a 5 day backpacking trip there in late June and am working on planning my route. I would appreciate any advice from first hand experience.

 

[Mrmyke709]

Word is, there is a LOT of car break-ins in the parking lots that feed the back country trails.

DWP and I were there in June last year. You might consider the Carson instead, you can still access Wheeler Peak, and Williams Lake is beautiful.
We parked right next to the Kachina Lift at the Taos Ski Resort.
There was still snow in June.
Also, there are frequent lightning strikes in the Truchas and surrounding mountains in the Summer. Watch the sky.

Here's a view of Williams Lake at 11,000 ft.

 

[pmg]

I've heard the same about the breakins at Pecos, too, but have only car camped there. You didn't ask, but if you do Wheeler Peak and are looking for extended backpacking you might try starting from the Red River side; from the Taos side it's just a day hike, or easy overnighter.

 

[gecko]

That picture makes me horny.

 

[77horn]

I have have gone to the Pecos about 7-8 times, although not in the last 10 years. PM me if you are interested in specific ideas
Pecos Photos

 

[LazyEngineer]

The Pecos Wilderness is one of my favorite places on earth. You should definitely go there. This is what I'd probably do if I had 5 days:

- Start at the Santa Fe Ski Area and park your car there. Hike from there to Lake Katherine. (Link details the trip from the Pecos side) Lake Ketherine (from Pecos side)

- Once at Lake Katherine you can use it as your base camp and climb to the summit of Santa Fe Baldy and to the other small lakes in the area. BTW - Take a fishing pole as the trout fishing is excellent (stocked with a helicopter).
- Note: The elevation at Lake Katherine is HIGH. It might be a good idea to spend a night in the meadows.

Lake Katherine:

More information:
Link 1
Link 2

PM me if you want additional information.