Hiking Williams Lake, Taos, NM with kids

Tucked away at above 11,000 feet, sits a majestic lake with a sharp mountain backdrop in beautiful Taos, New Mexico. This 3.7 mile hike sounds like it will be a fast and smooth ascend, but it's everything but that. Gaining elevation during the entire hike and hiking through some pretty rocky paths, this hike tested our skills while our 3-year old trucked along and mama bear carried our 3-month old in a baby carrier.

This hike had been on our bucketlist for some time because of the amazing lake view and relatively shorter distance for a postpartum mama.

On the way up, you are invited to a majestic, towering forest full of pines, a small but powerful creek and those picture worthy red and white mushrooms. The trail zigs and zags, fills your nose with crisp air and the smell of the wild, it's truly an incredible hike.

Once you ascend to the lake, you can stop here, take in the views and eat a lunch or continue on to the very top to the notorious Wheeler's Peak, which stands at a whopping 13,131 feet above sea level. We were not physically prepared for that hike. We have talked about hiking Williams Lake again and camping for a night and then making our way to Wheeler's peak the next day. Another adventure on our bucketlist.

We knew we could only go as far as the lake and we are sure glad we did!

We drove from Albuquerque which is about a 3-hour drive. We stayed in a local hotel at the Taos Ski Resort to rest and prepare for the long trek the following day. You can also tent camp, RV camp and van camp near by. Here are some basic tips to remember.

TIPS

1. Acclimating to the elevation:

If you're from out of State, it's recommend you acclimate to the elevation before ascending to the lake. We lived in Abq for a few years and hiked the Sandia's quite often, so we felt well acclimated. Remember, the hike is at 11,000 feet above sea level.

2. Build hiking endurance:

Don't hike this trail if it's your very first, especially with kids. Brandon and I have hiked for years (Army hiking) and when we had kids, we built their skill level up as well. Get used to carrying a pack with weight. It's recommended kid's hike their age in miles. Our son is 3-years old so we only expect him to make it to 3 miles until he needs to be carried.

3. Pack what you need and extra for kids:

Having a good packing list is essential. Taos is notorious for random changes in weather. Be prepared for rain.

4. Don't bother taking a fishing pole, there are no fish in this lake!

5. It's best to hike this trail from may-September. Any other months of the year, its wet, snowy and dangerous. We hiked this trail in September, had planned and prepared ourselves for rain but thankfully, it was dry the entire way up. This trail can become a mudslide if hiked when raining so you probably want to hike it in the dry months if you're doing it with kids.

WHAT WE PACK

With our Army background, when it comes to packing, preparing, and executing, we go through a checklist, check t twice and pack the good ole' Army way.

Here are some tips whether you're hiking this trail or another one near you.

PACKING LIST

1. Waterproof bag to keep change of socks, clothing and anything you don't want getting wet. You can always use ziploc bags as well! Rain is always possible.

2. Hiking backpack with camelback. I love my Osprey!

3. Baby carrier for infants. I used the ErgoBaby360 until my babies were old enough for something like the Osprey Child carrier (can fully support their head and neck)

4. Carrier for toddler should they tire on the trail. We have a Trail Magik and it was perfect for when our 3-year old needed breaks.

5. Good hiking shoes. I love my Keens! I used them throughout my pregnancy and postpartum.

6. Change of socks for each family member. Foot care is imperative when hiking. Wool is best as it allows for ventilation and prevents moisture related blisters.

7. Layers of clothing for all family members. Wool is best as it allows proper air flow. Cotton is not recommended as it can become moist with sweat and cause blisters.

8. First Aid Kit with at least basic essentials (bandaids, antiseptic wipes, antibactieral ointment, ACE wrap, etc.. As a RN and Army vet, I pack more than I need (trauma kit) because I just love the medical field and all the supplies. See my first aid kit here.

9. Kid's hiking pack. We have the REI kid's pack. It's 8L and fits just what he needs and is not too heavy.

10. Backpacking pack. Brandon, my husband, carried all the "heavy stuff" like our rain gear, food, extra water, portable stove, etc. We scored ours at a yard sale. Check out my post on thrifting second hand gear here.

11. Bear spray or some sort of protection from wild animals. This is bear and mountain lion country.

12. Food You can make it easy and pack some sandwiches', fruit, and high energy snacks or make it a real adventure and take your portable stove and backpacking food packs. We love the ReadyWise and surprisingly, our son loves them too!

FOR THE MAMAS

I was 2-months postpartum when we did this hike and I had a C-section! Mamas, if you've had a C-section before, you know the pain and intense recovery especially if you have had a natural birth as well. I was not mentally prepared for how hard the recovery would be but I walked everyday and built up my strength and stamina for this hike because I was determined to hike it with my family before Autumn set in. I even carried my 2-month old in front and my hiking pack on my back. I was sore for sure, but it was 100% doable! If I can do postpartum and postoperative, you can too! I was so proud of myself for having finished this amazing hike!

From giant poisonous mushrooms, to the crisp mountain air, from seeing our 3-year old hike an intense trail on his own, we would hike this trail over and over again!

I would love to hear how it went for you and your family! Any questions, comment below!

Happy adventuring!