Hiking Williams Lake Trail in Taos, NM

A 3-hour car ride followed by a 5 mile hike is a really great way to start the weekend. Firstly, driving to Taos from Albuquerque, NM was easily one of the most scenic routes in the state. Driving through the mountains in the early fall and getting to see the tree leaves change color was a site to see, and one id recommend to anyone who lives in NM, or plans on visiting.

Williams Lake and the trail leading up to it is extremely beautiful, and honestly not too bad for novice hikers. While the initial hike itself was all up-hill, there was plenty of flat ground to balance everything out, as well as nice little rest areas on your way up to the lake. The lake itself resides inside the mountain range, hidden amongst the trees. There is plenty of wildlife to see, especially with the birds. Throughout the hike its as if they were following us, and every time we stopped, they would stop with us. Once you get to the lake though, its vast and wide open.

For the hike being on a Friday, it wasnt that busy! We saw hikers trailing in and out, but overall the path wasnt so crowded. It was the same story for the lake, too. There were a few families, and a couple of people with their dogs, but the area was so big that it was barely noticeable. If you add on the last 1/2 mile to get to the waterfall (followed by a pretty steep climb), it was as if there wasnt anyone else there. The hike itself and the climb up to the waterfall was amazing, and one that I think any novice hiker should attempt. While the uphill battle was rough at first, the views were definitely worth the work!