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    Williams Lake Trail

    4.3 (6 reviews)

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    End of the trail 11K in elevation.
    Paul E.

    The Williams Lake Trail is a fairly popular trail, and one that a lot of folks recommend for tourists and novice hikers, of which I was both. It begins at the Taos Ski Valley, near the Bavarian Restaurant. In fact, I just followed the signs to the Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant and found the sign for the Williams Lake Trail parking lot. The hike is about 4 miles round trip, and ends at a beautiful alpine "lake" (more like a very large pond). If you are not from these parts, then you may struggle a bit with the altitude. The trailhead is at about 10,000 feet and the lake is at 11,000 elevation. I was definitely struggling with pumping enough air through my lungs. The trail is well-marked and well-trodden. It is also fairly busy so you will see plenty of other hikers around. The first 25% of the trail is gravel road and tall grass. The middle 50% goes through some beautiful forest, so plenty of shade here. The last 25% or so passes large meadows filled with boulders.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    6 years ago

    Helpful 6
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    11 years ago

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    19 years ago

    Helpful 5
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    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
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    Los Rios River Runners

    Los Rios River Runners

    4.8(113 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Certified professionals

    This was a last minute addition to my recent trip to Taos. I was looking for a short, easier…read moreexcursion on my last day in the area and the half day Orilla Verde raft trip was a perfect choice. This section of the river is calmer so its perfect for a relaxing float where you can spot wildlife and enjoy the grandeur of the gorge. You can opt to paddle a "funyak" on your own rather than go in the group raft. It's basically an inflatable kayak and my boyfriend and I chose that. It worked out well since there was only one other person in our group and they also chose a funyak. Check in is easy at the cafe in Pilar, about 20 minutes south of Taos and then you meet your guide at the gorge's visitor center across the street. Zac was our guide and he was a chill, cool guy but also focused on our safety and helped us navigate some shallow areas and one, small, class two rapids. He shared some stories about the river and its people and plant life. We got to see sheep climbing down the gorge to come drink in the river, a great blue heron and lots of ducks. It was a slow pace but that's what I was looking for. The funyaks were a little more challenging to navigate than regular kayaks (to me anyway.) They were lighter and seemed to spin and meander more. It was still a pleasant journey-just took a bit more concentration to paddle-especially with the two person boat we chose. Safety helmets and life jackets are provided and required. At the end, we shuttled back to the visitor center and our cars and Zac brought some apples, cookies and chips for the group. What a fun and memorable way to end my time in Taos. Los Rios is fun, friendly, easy to work with and I'd absolutely go again! Don't forget to tip your guide and also be ready to get a little wet, even on a more mellow trip. Had an awesome time on the river!

    worst river tubing I have done too shallow hit more rocks than water. no rapids…read more should have closed in August or before will never raft with y'all again !!!

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    Los Rios River Runners
    Los Rios River Runners
    Los Rios River Runners

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    Blue Yonder Fly Fishing - Beautiful Rio Grande Cutthroat!

    Blue Yonder Fly Fishing

    3.7(3 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    This guy will take out as many clients as he possibly can. Whick means that you'll be left alone,…read morenot really knowing what you're doing. One person can't really instruct another seven people that efficiently. No one in our group caught a fish. With seven people you'd think that at least one of us would catch something

    I called Joey for my first time fly fishing out west because he provides ALL the equipment you need…read more(including lunch). He met us at the Plaza in the morning and drove us to a wide open wild trout stream up by the Colorado border. I got a little nervous with how far we had to drive and how patient he was setting up our gear. I was worried that we would barely get to fish before he would say it was time to head back. But that is definitely not how Joey works. When you are out with Joey there is not "clock." You fish until you are finished and call it a day. I never felt rushed once. Joey took care of all the gear and had multiple rods ready for us if we wanted to try different set ups. We caught some fish, saw some great sights, and had a great experience. Joey is a native New Mexican, but has guided around the world. He was a pleasure to be around, and gave me some good food and book recommendations as well. I highly recommend calling Joey for your fishing needs if you are in the Taos area.

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    Blue Yonder Fly Fishing - Mama's keeping an eye out..

    Mama's keeping an eye out..

    Blue Yonder Fly Fishing - Joey dropping knowledge!

    Joey dropping knowledge!

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    Rocky Mountain Small Stream Fishing..

    Williams Lake Trail - hiking - Updated June 2026

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