Lake Fork Peak is a scenic peak located in the Wheeler Peak wilderness of the Sangre de Cristo Range of Northern New Mexico and ties for the 5th highest (New Mexico Highest List) peak in the state. Located on the other side of Williams Lake from the state's highest peak, Lake Fork Peak has something Wheeler Peak doesn't have, a fun 3+ class route to the summit and exponentially less crowds once you leave Williams Lake.

Lake Fork Peak and it's 3+ class ridge

Views of the Williams Lake Valley and Wheeler Peak are impressive from the summit. Excellent views of Unnamed 12,819, the states 9th highest peak, are impressive as well. A high and exciting ridge run from Wheeler to Lake Fork Peak is no doubt one of the best high scrambles in the state and trailhead access for both peaks is short and easy starting near the famous Taos Ski Valley.

Getting There

From Taos, New Mexico: Drive four miles north on New Mexico (NM) state road #522. At about four miles, and at the first traffic light out of town, turn right (east) on NM 150 and drive for 15 miles until reaching the Taos Ski Valley ski area. As you arrive at the ski resort a huge "Taos Ski Valley" sign will greet you. Here the road forks. Stay left. Thanks to Allan Ellis for these directions.

Lake Fork Peak and Williams Lake from Mt. Walter. Photo copyright by vinnypapa

At this point the road turns to dirt and is now called Twining Road. Drive approximately 1/2 mile and turn left on a road called Phoenix Switchback. Straight ahead will take you up a 4x4 road that will lead to trailhead as well but was under construction in August of 2005 and may not be drivable. Drive 1.1 more miles on a switchbacking road to a fairly large parking lot. Because this trailhead is also the trailhead to Wheeler Peak it may be full on the weekends so an early arrival is recommended.

From left to right: Wheeler Peak, Unnamed 12,819, and Lake Fork Peak. Photo copyright by JEFFMOORE

Hike South past the Phoenix Restaurant and the Taos Ski Valley Kachina Lift. At .25 miles the road will cross Lake Fork Creek. Do not cross but stay left on the east side of the creek and the Williams Lake Trail begins. Williams Lake will be two miles further. The first mile is quite rough and rocky but the second mile is quite nice.

A map of the route to Williams Lake can be found here.

Red Tape

Lake Fork Peak is located in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness so wilderness rules apply. No fees or permits are required.

Wilderness is land set aside as part of wild America, where man can be a visitor. The natural environment has not been disturbed. Travel is restricted to foot or horseback. No mechanized equipment is allowed.

US Forest Service Information:

Questa Ranger District
P.O. Box 110
Questa, NM 87556
(505)586-0520
(505)758-6230

Carson National Forest Home

When To Climb

Mid-June through October are the prime months to climb Lake Fork Peak. Winter ascents are possible although avalanche conditions can be extreme.

New Mexico's 9th highest peak, Unnamed 12,819 ft.

Sangre de Christo Mountains Avalanche Information:

Note: This information pertains to the southern Colorado Sangre de Christo mountains, however Lake Fork Peak may have similar conditions because it is so close to the Colorado border.

Avalanche Information website

Camping

Camping is allowed in the wilderness and can be found in several places along the trail. Camping is prohibited within 100 yards of Williams Lake.

There are several campgrounds located along the 15 miles of NM 150 up to Taos Ski Valley. These include Lower Hondo, Cuchillo De Medio, Cuchillo, Italianos, and Twining. Most can accommodate trailers and tents, and have water and toilets. Information on these campgrounds can be found here.

Kachina Peak and the upper reaches of Taos Ski Valley from the summit

There is plenty of lodging in nearby Taos and in Taos Ski Valley. Information can be found at the Toas Chamber of Commerce.

Mountain Conditions

Images



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