The Santa Fe Trail Runner’s Guide is a collection of trail runs in and around Santa Fe. The routes are all curated by myself. The routes have been thoroughly tested during many different seasons and conditions. I am a big advocate of not driving to the trailhead whenever possible. As such, many of the routes are designed to start in town and illustrate how one can go from downtown Santa Fe to serene forests in a matter of a few miles. Many of the routes are long/challenging, but I will include alternatives, bail out points, water refills, and other considerations for the route.

Lake Peak Loop - 10.3 miles, 2,553 ft of climbing

The Quick Details:

Distance/Elevation: 10.3 miles, 2,553 ft of climbing, high point 12,372 ft
Difficulty: hard
Water: plenty of water in the last 4 miles or so. Bring a water filter!
Season: Late spring, Summer, Early Fall
Make sure to have a rain jacket. Weather changes fast at high elevation.
Be self-sufficient. It is possible you will not see anyone this whole loop and you may not have cell reception either.

This loop is one of the best the Santa Fe area has to offer. Highlights include panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristos, high elevation peaks (Lake Peak tops out at 12,372 ft), abundant water, mountain goats, exploration of the Pecos Wilderness and cooler temperatures to avoid the summer heat. Trail users will summit three notable peaks: Deception Peak, Lake Peak, and Penitente Peak (all of which are over 12,000 ft). This is a challenging route at high elevations. Be mindful of the elevation especially if you are not acclimated to the elevation. This loop is best in the late Spring, Summer and early Fall.

The Leak Peak Loop starts at the Santa Fe Ski Basin where there is abundant parking. Start the adventure by climbing up Winsor trail until you encounter the Wilderness Gate. Winsor Trail continues beyond the gate. I recommend completing the route in a counterclockwise manner. As such, when you get to the gate, look for a trail to your right that parallels the gate/fence. This trail is Raven’s Ridge. You will climb steeply up the ridge, eventually rising above the tree line and summiting Deception Peak.

From Deception Peak, continue northeast toward Lake Peak on Skyline Trail. The trail from here becomes technical, loose, and very exposed. Be careful as you follow the scant trail that is just below the ridge. There is an option to summit Lake Peak by peeling off to your left or one can skip Lake Peak and continue the trail to Penitente Peak. The scant trail becomes well defined before disappearing completely as you traverse the tundra to Penitente Peak.

From Penitente Peak, continue in a northeast direction following the ridge. Eventually Skyline Trail will reappear and continue down the trail until you find a “T” take a left at the “T” to reconnect with Winsor Trail. After about 0.5 miles, you should cross the first stream after which there will be abundant stream crossings for the next few miles as you descend and then climb on the rocky, technical Winsor Trail.

Eventually you reach the Wilderness Gate that you first encountered. Continue down Winsor Trail, doubling back on the first mile or so and arrive at the ski basin parking lot.

Santa Fe Trail Runner’s Guide - Lake Peak Loop