Lake Katherine

Lake Katherine is a moderate out-and-back hike in the Pecos Wilderness, part of the Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest in northern New Mexico. The trail is about 3.7 miles long, with an elevation gain of 1,135 feet, taking you from a low point of about 10,600 feet to a high of about 11,740 feet. The route is on natural surface, and horses are allowed. Bikes are not. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail lies within designated wilderness. The most comfortable stretch for a visit is typically June through September, when the open season runs from June 1 to September 30. Plan for a full day, and consider the weather station at the trail's lower end as a guide for typical averages. The Winsor Trail (254) and Stewart Lake are both within a mile. Holy Ghost Campground and Panchuela are about 4 miles away.