SUMMARY: 6.8k feet to 10.5k feet, 9.7 miles
DESCRIPTION: The Rio Nambe Trail goes from Nambe Reservoir (NOT Nambe Lake) to Winsor Trail, crossing into the Pecos Wilderness, following along the Rio Nambe for much of the way.
GETTING THERE: Drive to the Winsor Trailhead at Aspen Basin, Santa Fe Ski Area parking, hike 1.15 miles on Winsor to Lower Nambe Trail, and plunge down 1.7 miles to reach the Rio Nambe Trail. Alternatively (always alternatives in the Pecos) hike 3.2 miles east on Winsor, to reach the eastern terminus of Rio Nambe Trail.
CONDITIONS: In June 2020 we only surveyed the 2.5 mile section between Winsor and Lower Nambe. Descending from Winsor, the trail is rocky in places, and trekking poles were a help. They also assist with a few water crossings, but no wet-foot crossings are needed.
Near La Vega, a meadow, the trail becomes faint for a short period, but otherwise is well-defined. Over 48 logs were across the trail, mostly the small diameter aspens, perhaps a victim of tent moths that have ravaged large groves of aspens in the Pecos for the past three years. In only one spot several aspen limbs had fallen suspended a few feet from the ground, requiring a climb. Oddly, no lopping was necessary, at the height of summer growth.
Rio Nambe Trail Backpack (Santa Fe NF)
A three-day backpacking project to clear downed trees along Rio Nambe Trail #160 and the Lower Nambe Trail #403.