The Williams Lake Trail is arguably the most popular trail in the Taos Ski Valley. Although it officially starts at the ski village, most people access it from the parking area up the road to the south and east of the village. This parking area is at N36 34.7566 W105 26.4008 and 10,191 feet. The Forest Service claims that it is 2 miles to the lake from here -- it is actually 1.91 miles. The trail reaches its summit at 11,142 feet about a quarter-mile from the lake. While the trail is regarded as easier than most in the ski valley area, it does climb more than 700 feet per mile. The reason it seems simpler is that although the steep stretches are very steep, the trail is short and there are several nearly level stretches.

The map is here.

The Forest Service write-up is here. It provides driving instructions to get to the trail.

Haven't finished the writeup, but here are some pictures from the trail!

The message board at Williams Lake parking This is the message board at the Williams Lake parking area. There are also toilet facilities at the parking area and a picnicking area but no water.
The Bavarian Inn This is the Bavarian Inn which you will pass on your left as you head up the trail. It opens at 11:30 am during the summer and is an excellent place to stop for a beer and brats on your way back to your car.
Williams Lake Trail Sign After hiking approximately six-tenths of a mile, the trail leaves the road and you will encounter this sign. This is actually pretty funny as the sign was apparently constructed to be put at the parking area where the lake is 2 miles away. At this point, it is only another 1.3 miles to the lake. (N36 34.2828 W105 26.1278
Williams Lake seen from the northwest This is the view you'll have of the lake as you enter the bowl.
The Williams Lake sign The Williams Lake sign. You've made it!
Williams Lake from the northeast If you walk northeast from the sign up the trail into the woods, you'll have this view of the lake. This trail gets quite steep and eventually intersects the Wheeler Peak trail after a nasty climb through scree.

As you walk down the slope towards the lake, a small trail appears on the right (N36 33.4750 W105 25.8285). If you follow this trail for about a third of a mile you'll reach a beautiful little waterfall.

Picture of a Columbine blossom This is a Columbine blossom growing in the rocks on the trail to the waterfall.
The waterfall at Williams Lake This is the waterfall. It is also a nice shady area to have a bit to eat and rest before heading back to the parking area.

 

 

More later.