A smoky day hike to Nambe Lake. Wildfires near Phoenix provided the thick smoke.

Nambe Lake Trail is a 7 mile, round trip, heavily trafficked trail located near Santa Fe, New Mexico that features a lake and is rated as difficult.

The trail offers a number of activity options such as camping and fishing and is best used from May until October.

This is a really nice hike that starts at the north end of the Ski Santa Fe parking lot. Look for the bathrooms and Windsor Trail sign. There is not a Nambe Lake Trail sign at the start point!

The trail starts off the first half mile with a moderate incline along a well-maintained trail through the woods with Aspen and Pine trees. At the first intersection of another trail, there is a fence that you go through straight ahead to stay on the trail.

The trail then starts a long slight decline towards the Nambe Creek. Again, mostly shaded with the same trees and some views of the valley and Mt. Baldy.

As you get to Nambe Creek, there is a sign that states Nambe Lake, Trail 400. Veer off to the right just past the sign and the trail starts uphill. If you go left or straight you will be off the trail.

The trail at this point is more difficult to follow so be careful to lookout for the crossing about a half mile up near a large clearing with campsites. If you miss the crossing the less traveled trail on the south side of Nambe Creek is much more difficult.

You will be gaining elevation from Trail 400 on and it does get steep. The trail follows Nambe Creek to the lake. There are numerous waterfalls on this section of the hike.

At the top is Nambe Lake which is a typical Alpine Lake with crystal clear water and dramatic views of the surrounding peaks.

The hike is a good workout so plan some recharge time before starting back!