Lake Stewart is one of the easier lakes to access in the Pecos Wilderness. Although it is not a hike for the novice, by Pecos standards it is a great place to start. Wind your way through fir and pine lined trail as you transition through aspen groves that open up on small rock shelves with panoramic views. Wind past draws with seasonal creeks that give way to wild flower stands as you climb gently from Winsor Creek to one of the most popular weekend destinations in the Pecos. Lake Stewart is hidden just beyond Skyline trail beyond a small murky pond just off the trail. You will know you are there when you climb up from the main trail on to a bench that is the drainage for the lake. The lake itself is surrounded by hilly terrain and you should camp on the downhill side outside of the basin or in the main camping area in a large flat spot between the pond and the lake. The climb to the lake is steady, but rewards you with ample views of Santa Fe Baldy and the Lake Katherine Basin. Although this lake is best visited in the off season – especially during a mild winter – a little creative tent placement will make all the difference if you are seeking solitude.
Getting there:
Turn N at Pecos on HWY 63 and continue N to the community of Cowles and turn W on FR 121 toward the Winsor Creek CG. Parking is available immediately on the SW of this intersection. There are no facilities here, but you can continue to the CG for facilities.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
09-AUG-08
Distance: 6.63 mi
Points: 290
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Points of Interest
271 meets 251
Location: 35.832264, -105.719727
Join the King of the Pecos trail - #251 as you continue west crossing a small creek where monks hood flowers and huckleberry ground cover signal the higher elevation.
271-281 Junction
Location: 35.812740, -105.661850
Stay on trail 271 as you begin a gradual climb out of the busy CG basin.
Camp Spot
Location: 35.830517, -105.721992
There is a nice clearing here that is flat and supports multiple groups. The site is well hardened with spotty campfire rings. Keep an eye out for the ellusive Snow Shoe Hare.
Cowles Parking Area
Location: 35.812016, -105.659218
Park here and locate TH at kiosk just N of parking area.
Creek
Location: 35.833534, -105.704918
A usualy dependable creek.
Draw #1
Location: 35.826328, -105.682297
A seasonal creek carves a drop through grassy hills.
Draw # 2
Location: 35.833782, -105.696960
This seasonal creek drains from an open grassy hillside where hunters frequent on their search for game. Keep an eye out for the occasional deer that might be following this draw down from above.
Flat open area
Location: 35.833187, -105.698486
Aspen groves yield to open meadow where there is good camping if you can find water.
Lake Stewart
Location: 35.831253, -105.724312
Spend some enjoying the lake basin as you filter water near the spillway that supports fire weed flowers and numerous other native plants.
Sunflower
Location: 35.830082, -105.705658
Meadows with sunflower fields bloom with brillance in the summer sun.
Wilderness Boundary
Location: 35.816353, -105.668602
Sweeping switchbacks yield to a panoramic view to the east as you transition to cooler elevations.
Sign near Kiosk
Location: 35.812069, -105.659363
WB
Location: 35.816349, -105.668602
Pano View
Location: 35.816219, -105.667465
Looking towards the east.
251-271 Turn
Location: 35.832253, -105.719727
Monk's Hood
Location: 35.832222, -105.719765
Pond Before Stewart
Location: 35.831146, -105.721062
Snow Shoe Hare
Location: 35.830513, -105.721985
Butterfly
Location: 35.830494, -105.722031
Huckleberry
Location: 35.830482, -105.721985
Rattlesnake Orchid Triplet
Location: 35.830482, -105.722031
See the Bee
Location: 35.831276, -105.724327
Stewart
Location: 35.831253, -105.724312
Fireweed
Location: 35.831245, -105.724258
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