Bighorn Sheep
Location: 35.9713020324707, -105.630111694336
Bighorn sheep frequent this area. Yield when you see them on the trail and do not feed or approach them.
Buck
Location: 35.9171714782715, -105.648864746094
You might be surprised by what you see above the lake.
Lake Johnson
Location: 35.8544120788574, -105.735122680664
Marmot
Location: 35.9570617675781, -105.640411376953
PEC001
Location: 36.0846405029297, -105.610626220703
From the trailhead at the east end of Santa Barbara Campground, pass though the fence and head south toward the Pecos Wilderness.
PEC002
Location: 36.0697746276856, -105.612258911133
Enter the Pecos Wilderness. Ahead, traverse marshy trails along the roaring Rio Santa Barbara.
PEC003
Location: 36.0574722290039, -105.614875793457
Bear right @ Y-junction, and continue south. The trail climbs above the creek.
PEC004
Location: 36.014518737793, -105.611709594727
After crossing a large grassy meadow, cross a creek. In roughly 1 mile, climb up 6 switchbacks to a camping area.
PEC005
Location: 35.9882507324219, -105.613929748535
Just past the remnants of an old sheepherder's cabin, set up camp on a ledge overlooking the West Fork Rio Santa Barbara. Next, continue hiking south.
PEC006
Location: 35.9771423339844, -105.62281036377
Talus switchbacks lead up to the Santa Barbara Divide. Head south on Skyline Trail (No. 251) toward Truchas Lakes.
PEC007
Location: 35.9702262878418, -105.634559631348
Truchas Lakes: These two lakes rest in the basin below towering rocky peaks.
PEC008
Location: 35.9673080444336, -105.635437011719
At the junction of Skyline Trail (No. 251) and North Azul Trail (No. 264), follow Skyline Trail for an abrupt descent into a small meadow.
PEC009
Location: 35.9597702026367, -105.635520935059
Hike west toward Truchas Peak. Campsite: Turn left off main trail to find flat, hidden sites near a spring-fed creek.
PEC010
Location: 35.9574089050293, -105.641098022461
Follow the rocky trail as it winds below high peaks. Marmots and pikas rule the land.
PEC011
Location: 35.9483337402344, -105.637428283691
Stay on Skyline Trail (No. 251) at the junction with NORSKI Trail (No. 255). Ahead, leave grassy slopes dotted with currant bushes for a traverse along Trailriders Wall.
PEC012
Location: 35.9455375671387, -105.638572692871
The trail crests a saddle above treeline. Bear left @ Y-junction and follow the ridgeline to the south.
PEC013
Location: 35.9173965454102, -105.638793945312
Continue straight @ 3-way at the Skyline Trail (No. 251)-Jack's Creek Trail (No. 257) intersection. Drop down to a marshy plateau where smaller pine trees sway in the wind.
PEC014
Location: 35.9123077392578, -105.645042419434
Pecos Baldy Lake: This small lake is tucked beneath East Pecos Baldy. A short side trip on Trail No. 164 leads to the saddle above this lake. You'll find abundant views and possibly some wildlife.
PEC015
Location: 35.9104309082031, -105.645820617676
Turn right @ 3-way, heading west. To find a campsite near a spring, follow the old trail to the southeast away from the lake basin.
PEC016
Location: 35.9089698791504, -105.651397705078
The trail winds to the southwest beneath East Pecos Baldy and Pecos Baldy. Optional: Follow the side trail up East Pecos Baldy if time allows.
PEC017
Location: 35.8929443359375, -105.664833068848
Continue straight @ 3-way junction. Descend through pine and fir as you meander along seasonal Rito Perro Creek.
PEC018
Location: 35.8822364807129, -105.68595123291
Cross Panchuela Creek, then begin a very steep, but short climb up eroded hillside.
PEC019
Location: 35.8782730102539, -105.710624694824
A rocky descent leads to picturesque Horsethief Meadow. Keep hiking south.
PEC020
Location: 35.8609733581543, -105.710739135742
Follow Skyline Trail (No. 251) at the junction with Cave Creek Trail (No. 288). Next, cross Cave Creek and hike southwest.
PEC021
Location: 35.8605690002441, -105.711692810059
Campsite: A mossy shelf near the flowing creek is a good place to pitch your tent. Look for well-used campfire pit.
PEC022
Location: 35.8466110229492, -105.720855712891
Turn right onto Lake Johnson Trail (No. 267) @ 3-way junction for a climb to Lake Johnson.
PEC023
Location: 35.8547973632812, -105.735725402832
Lake Johnson: A sunny, trout-filled lake at the foot of Redondo Peak. You'll find camping north of the hillside above the lake. Do not camp in the lake basin. Next, retrace route back to Waypoint 22 and turn right @ junction, heading south.
PEC024
Location: 35.8322639465332, -105.7197265625
Skirt meadow and continue on Skyline Trail (No. 251). Pass a small pond on the way to Stewart Lake.
PEC025
Location: 35.8310699462891, -105.724227905273
Stewart Lake: A short side trip off the trail leads to a perfect rest spot near the lake.
PEC026
Location: 35.823917388916, -105.727127075195
Turn right (west) @ T-junction. Begin climb alongside cascading creek.
PEC027
Location: 35.8255729675293, -105.736114501953
Turn left onto Winsor Trail (No. 254) for a climb to Spirit Lake. Ahead, cross Winsor Creek in the small opening where the old Skyline Trail used to veer off. Make sure to stay on the trail that crosses the creek at this point.
PEC028
Location: 35.8188552856445, -105.738945007324
Campsite: A small, flat shelf above a more used campsites is a good place to camp off-trail and hidden from lake.
PEC029
Location: 35.817569732666, -105.739334106445
Spirit Lake: The last of your backcountry lake stops. It's theorized that Spirit Lake gets its name from the Roman Catholic Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
PEC030
Location: 35.8107948303223, -105.753471374512
Enter thick cool forest where the terrain flattens. Skyline Trail (No. 251) and Winsor Trail (No. 254) reconnect here. Continue west toward Puerto Nambe.
PEC031
Location: 35.8136291503906, -105.760711669922
Puerto Nambe: The trail enters a high grassy plateau with views of Lake Peak and Santa Fe Baldy. Follow Winsor Trail (No. 254) for a steep descent into the valley below.
PEC032
Location: 35.8124351501465, -105.767616271973
Continue west on Winsor Trail (No. 254). Nambe Trail (No. 160) descends to a camping area on the right.
PEC033
Location: 35.812873840332, -105.780891418457
Continue on Winsor Trail (No. 254).
PEC034
Location: 35.8089752197266, -105.785102844238
Keep straight @ 3-way (trail on the left leads to Nambe Lake). The terrain flattens as it travels through a small opening with a raging creek. Ahead, begin a gradual climb to the wilderness boundary.
PEC035
Location: 35.8072319030762, -105.799545288086
Stay straight (southwest) on Winsor Trail (No. 254) @ 3-way junction. Continue hiking through the shady side of the mountain. Cooler temps are the norm here.
PEC036
Location: 35.8028831481934, -105.802635192871
Pecos Wilderness Boundary: Leave the Pecos Wilderness as you pass through the fence. Next, begin steep descent through aspen groves to the trailhead.
PEC037
Location: 35.7955207824707, -105.804916381836
The route finishes at Aspen Basin and Ski Santa Fe parking lot. Use the pay phone near the ski station to call your ride, or pick up your shuttle car to return to Waypoint 1.
Pecos Baldy Lake
Location: 35.9093170166016, -105.650321960449
Pika
Location: 35.955810546875, -105.640235900879
Stewart Lake
Location: 35.8311767578125, -105.724014282227
Trailriders Wall
Location: 35.9565048217773, -105.640113830566
View of the wall from Marmot Town.
Truchas Peaks
Location: 35.9170341491699, -105.649337768555
Climb to the saddle above the lake on Trail 164 for nice views.
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