A girls' trek in the Pecos Wilderness

Since my move to New Mexico in 2013, I have been enchanted by the high peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Truchas Peaks, jagged and imposing, lie on the divide between the Pecos Wilderness and the Carson National Forest. Access generally requires good planning and a multi-day trek, since the two entry points lie some 13 miles from the lakes. Finally, in early August, three friends and I set off on a four day adventure to some of the most beautiful landscapes in our state.


Day 1: Jack's Creek to Pecos Baldy Lake

Day 2: Pecos Baldy Lake to Truchas Lakes via Trailrider's Wall

Day 3: Truchas Lakes to a meadow about 7 miles from the divide

Day 4: West Fork Trail to the Santa Barbara Campground

Dramatic storm clouds gather over golden wheat fields in open prairie landscape.
Close-up of yellow mariposa lily wildflower blooming among dry grass in mountain meadow.
Full double rainbow arching over serene mountain lake surrounded by evergreen forest.
Two painted lady butterflies resting on vibrant orange wildflowers in garden setting.
Two hikers on narrow trail through lush green vegetation toward rocky mountain peak.
Dramatic pyramid-shaped rocky mountain peak rising above rolling hills under cloudy blue sky.
Group of five female hikers smiling on mountain ridge surrounded by wildflowers and peaks.
Scenic view of multiple mountain peaks with sparse evergreen trees under partly cloudy sky.
Stacked stone cairn marker with evergreen trees and colorful mountain range in background.
Three hikers with colorful backpacks trekking through alpine meadow toward rocky mountain peaks under cloudy sky.
Panoramic view of green mountain ridges with pine forests and wildflowers under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Two hikers ascending rocky mountain trail toward jagged peak under partly cloudy summer sky.
Backpacker resting on grass beside small alpine lake with rocky mountain peaks and pine trees.
Female hiker in teal jacket standing on rocks beside calm alpine lake with mountain backdrop.
Serene alpine lake reflecting rocky mountain peaks and evergreen pine trees under dramatic cloudy sky.
Single deer standing on grassy mountain slope surrounded by pine trees in natural wilderness habitat.
Full moon rising over rugged mountain ridge above pine forest reflected in calm alpine lake at dusk.
Crystal clear alpine lake reflecting mountain peaks and pine trees with rocky shoreline in wilderness.
Two triumphant hikers raising arms in celebration on rocky mountain summit against dramatic blue sky.
Hiker with backpack on rocky mountain trail surrounded by tall pine trees and mountain peaks.
Close-up macro shot of lush green tropical plant leaves with detailed texture.
Rocky mountain peak with pine forest under partly cloudy blue sky landscape.
Group of five hikers posing on rocky mountain summit with peaks and clouds behind.
Full moon rising over arid brown mountain ridge against clear twilight sky.
Female hiker with large backpack walking on trail through mountain meadow on sunny day.
Two colorful tents set up at a campsite in a lush green pine forest meadow.
Narrow dirt trail leading through golden meadow toward pine forest and mountain peaks.
Rocky mountain stream winding through lush green meadow and dense pine forest.
Solo hiker standing in golden meadow before dense pine forest at golden hour.
Person reading book while relaxing in blue and green camping hammock outdoors.
Black and white landscape of a mountain meadow surrounded by pine trees and rocky peaks.
Two glowing tents illuminate a dark forest meadow beneath a starry night sky and mountain.