Hiking up to Stewart Lake in New Mexico’s Pecos Wilderness makes for a perfect weekend getaway near Santa Fe. This 12-mile out-and-back climbs steadily through wildflower-filled landscapes to one of the more easily accessible alpine lakes in the wilderness area. Just 200 yards long, Stewart Lake sits 10,232 feet above sea level and nearly 2,500 feet below the peak of Santa Fe Baldy. It’s 6 miles from the trailhead and just north of the Skyline Trail beyond a small, marshy pond. Because this is a relatively high-traffic wilderness area, follow Leave No Trace principles. Use existing trails and camp on established sites at least 200 feet from water.

Trail Facts

• Distance: 12 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet
• Difficulty: Challenging

The Route: Stewart Lake Hike

The trail begins in the northwest corner of the Cowles Trailhead parking area, just before the road crosses the Pecos River. There’s plenty of parking for cars and horse trailers, but no toilet or drinking water at this lot. The trail follows a well-marked path through fir and pine before transitioning to aspen and small rock shelves offering panoramic views.

Follow Winsor Ridge Trail #271 toward a gradual climb and out of the busy campground basin. A series of switchbacks begins  at the wilderness area boundary. Eastern views of the Santa Fe National Forest open up in this transition zone to higher, cooler elevations.

During wildflower blooms in the spring and summer, meadows along the trail’s south-facing slopes are brilliant with golden sunflowers. You’ll also experience conifer forests, aspen groves, and scrub oak along the way. Once you arrive at Stewart Lake, spend some time enjoying the basin and views of Santa Fe Baldy’s eastern slope. The spillway supports lush clusters of fireweed and other native plants and is an ideal place to filter water. Follow the same route back to the trailhead.

The Map: Stewart Lake Hike

Mapped by Bill Velasquez