Description:
After you cross the small bridge over the Rio en Medio, the
Winsor Trail branches left and downhill to Tesuque, or right
and uphill toward the Pecos Wilderness. Take the right here
and follow the trail uphill as it begins a steady climb, switchbacking
in about a half mile to the Pecos Wilderness boundary at a
wooden fence with a walk through gate. This section is rather
steep, and many people get discouraged here: don’t be,
as the trail grade will soon level out. Follow through the
gate, and continue on the well-worn trail as it winds through
a mixed conifer forest of spruce, fir and aspen. In another
half mile you will reach the junction with the Lower Nambe
Trail 403 to the west- this is a steep foot trail leading
down to the Rio Nambe, and is not recommended for travel with
stock.
Keep following the Winsor Trail, in another mile you will
meet the junction with the Nambe
Lake Trail 400 to the south. This is a steep trail climbing
up to Nambe Lake, a major source of the waters of the Rio
Nambe. Crossing this fork of the rio on a small footbridge,
continue on the Winsor through dense stands of aspen with
the occasional glimpse through the trees to the distant peak
of Santa Fe Baldy. Soon you will meet the junction with the
Upper Nambe Trail 101
to your north- this is a meandering path through the aspens
down to the Rio Nambe, and a beautiful meadow known as La
Vega.
Continuing on the Winsor Trail, you will pass the junction
with the Rio Nambe Trail 160
to your north just before you cross a couple forks of the
upper Rio Nambe. The Winsor Trail then climbs through several
switchbacks before leveling off at a large alpine meadow known
as Puerto Nambe. There are many good campsites here. Enjoy
the views here of the high craggy peaks all around you. The
Skyline Trail 251 will soon
take off to the north, climbing rapidly towards Santa Fe Baldy;
continue east on the Winsor, which for a short section here
also shares the tread with a section of the Skyline Trail.
You will leave the alpine meadow and return to a mixed conifer
forest, and soon the Skyline Trail 251 will branch off towards
the south and Penitente Peak. At this point you are leaving
the Española Ranger District and entering the Pecos/Las
Vegas Ranger District. Continue east along the Winsor Trail
and in about a mile you will arrive at the edge of Spirit
Lake.
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The
Winsor Trail is designated a National Recreation Trail and
is one of the most popular and heavily used trails on the
Espanola Ranger District. 