In landlocked New Mexico, the sight of light glistening off clear, turquoise waters certainly seems like a dream. Although our state is filled with vistas almost too beautiful for belief, the image of Lake Katherine is particularly surreal. Keep reading to find out more about this stunning mountain lake in New Mexico.
Flickr/Over The Arroyo Gang
This alpine lake is a gem, hiding in a glacial valley, surrounded by panoramic vistas of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lake lies just below Santa Fe Baldy and it’s so stunning, you’ll have trouble believing it’s real.
Flickr/Sarah Richter
Part of the reason that this landscape is so dramatic is because the lake is close to the tree line. Many of the steep slopes rising around it are craggy and bare, providing a sharp contrast to the colorful water, encircled by trees.
Flickr/Clay Junell
Most people never get to marvel at Lake Katherine in person because reaching it requires a long day hike (or an overnight) along the Winsor Trail.
Flickr/Sarah Richter When it comes to outdoor adventures in New Mexico, nothing beats this exhilarating hike. Estimates on the length of this hike range from 14-16 miles. You can begin it at either Winsor Creek Trailhead off Forest Road 121 (near Pecos) or from the Santa Fe Ski Basin.
Despite the distance, people do make this journey and one look at these images explains why.
Flickr/Sarah Richter
It’s easy to see why people think this lovely destination is the most beautiful lake in New Mexico. Have you been fortunate enough to see this magical spot? If so, we want to hear all about it! Share your experiences with us the comments below!
Flickr/Over The Arroyo Gang
Flickr/Sarah Richter
Flickr/Clay Junell
When it comes to outdoor adventures in New Mexico, nothing beats this exhilarating hike. Estimates on the length of this hike range from 14-16 miles. You can begin it at either Winsor Creek Trailhead off Forest Road 121 (near Pecos) or from the Santa Fe Ski Basin.
If climbing up to Lake Katherine seems a little too daunting, check out these short hikes that lead to gorgeous destinations throughout New Mexico.
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Address: Lake Katherine, New Mexico 87506, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Mountain Lake In New Mexico April 04, 2020 Leah What are the most beautiful lakes in New Mexico? A mountain lake like this might be considered the most beautiful lake in New Mexico, but there are others out there that can easily join it at the top with their scenic views. Another great example of a place to go for a dip while surrounded by mountains is Fenton Lake, a smaller body of water tucked up in the Jemez Mountains near Jemez Springs. Lake Roberts, located near Mimbres, is a lake hidden among the Gila National Forest and it’s perfect for camping lakeside while being near cool spots like the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Visit Abiquiú Lake to experience a blue oasis among bright red desert rocks surrounding it. What are the most picturesque hiking trails in New Mexico? If you’re planning on hiking in New Mexico, there are plenty of gorgeous trails that’ll take you through some of the Land of Enchantment’s most breathtaking scenery. The Church Rock Trail, part of Red Rock Park, is a rocky 3.5-mile hike that is worth the effort to see impressive geological formations that give the park its name. The Catwalk Trail is a short trail through Whitewater Creek that includes a suspension bridge, historic background, and a waterfall at the end. If you’d like to explore the Organ Mountains, try Baylor Pass, an easy to moderate trail that’ll showcase the impressive views of this range. What are the best outdoor adventures in New Mexico? From hiking through cliff dwellings to hot air balloon rides, New Mexico is full of opportunities to let your inner adventurer out. Exploring the state’s amazing White Sands is a popular one that people find unforgettable. There are nature refuges that have auto tours and trails that’ll immerse you in New Mexico’s gorgeous natural areas and wildlife, such as Bosque del Apache or the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge. Need to relax a bit from all this adventuring? Do it outdoors in some of the tranquil hot springs of New Mexico in places like Truth or Consequences. No matter where you go, there are always places to enjoy some outdoor fun in the Land of Enchantment.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Mountain Lake In New Mexico
April 04, 2020
Leah
What are the most beautiful lakes in New Mexico? A mountain lake like this might be considered the most beautiful lake in New Mexico, but there are others out there that can easily join it at the top with their scenic views. Another great example of a place to go for a dip while surrounded by mountains is Fenton Lake, a smaller body of water tucked up in the Jemez Mountains near Jemez Springs. Lake Roberts, located near Mimbres, is a lake hidden among the Gila National Forest and it’s perfect for camping lakeside while being near cool spots like the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Visit Abiquiú Lake to experience a blue oasis among bright red desert rocks surrounding it. What are the most picturesque hiking trails in New Mexico? If you’re planning on hiking in New Mexico, there are plenty of gorgeous trails that’ll take you through some of the Land of Enchantment’s most breathtaking scenery. The Church Rock Trail, part of Red Rock Park, is a rocky 3.5-mile hike that is worth the effort to see impressive geological formations that give the park its name. The Catwalk Trail is a short trail through Whitewater Creek that includes a suspension bridge, historic background, and a waterfall at the end. If you’d like to explore the Organ Mountains, try Baylor Pass, an easy to moderate trail that’ll showcase the impressive views of this range. What are the best outdoor adventures in New Mexico? From hiking through cliff dwellings to hot air balloon rides, New Mexico is full of opportunities to let your inner adventurer out. Exploring the state’s amazing White Sands is a popular one that people find unforgettable. There are nature refuges that have auto tours and trails that’ll immerse you in New Mexico’s gorgeous natural areas and wildlife, such as Bosque del Apache or the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge. Need to relax a bit from all this adventuring? Do it outdoors in some of the tranquil hot springs of New Mexico in places like Truth or Consequences. No matter where you go, there are always places to enjoy some outdoor fun in the Land of Enchantment.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
A mountain lake like this might be considered the most beautiful lake in New Mexico, but there are others out there that can easily join it at the top with their scenic views. Another great example of a place to go for a dip while surrounded by mountains is Fenton Lake, a smaller body of water tucked up in the Jemez Mountains near Jemez Springs. Lake Roberts, located near Mimbres, is a lake hidden among the Gila National Forest and it’s perfect for camping lakeside while being near cool spots like the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Visit Abiquiú Lake to experience a blue oasis among bright red desert rocks surrounding it.
What are the most picturesque hiking trails in New Mexico?
If you’re planning on hiking in New Mexico, there are plenty of gorgeous trails that’ll take you through some of the Land of Enchantment’s most breathtaking scenery. The Church Rock Trail, part of Red Rock Park, is a rocky 3.5-mile hike that is worth the effort to see impressive geological formations that give the park its name. The Catwalk Trail is a short trail through Whitewater Creek that includes a suspension bridge, historic background, and a waterfall at the end. If you’d like to explore the Organ Mountains, try Baylor Pass, an easy to moderate trail that’ll showcase the impressive views of this range.
What are the best outdoor adventures in New Mexico?
From hiking through cliff dwellings to hot air balloon rides, New Mexico is full of opportunities to let your inner adventurer out. Exploring the state’s amazing White Sands is a popular one that people find unforgettable. There are nature refuges that have auto tours and trails that’ll immerse you in New Mexico’s gorgeous natural areas and wildlife, such as Bosque del Apache or the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge. Need to relax a bit from all this adventuring? Do it outdoors in some of the tranquil hot springs of New Mexico in places like Truth or Consequences. No matter where you go, there are always places to enjoy some outdoor fun in the Land of Enchantment.
