Taos Alpine Lost Lake & Pueblo Heritage- An Icon, A Legend, and the Moment (Guided Backpacking Trip), NM

***Special Promotion*** All trip participants will receive a Fjällräven Kånken R backpack (not suitable for overnight backpacking) (valued at $100) generously donated by our good friends at Fjällräven. Made from recycled materials and ready for adventure!

Backpacking through New Mexico’s Iconic high -country trails!

Travel high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico, along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway to the Lost Lake Trail in the Carson National Forest above Red River, New Mexico.

From there you’ll backpack into Lost Lake — a stunning alpine basin perched at tree line — and spend several days restoring a trail that desperately needs attention. The remote, high-country setting and constant vistas make this a truly sublime volunteer experience. Participants are encouraged to spend a little extra time in Taos before or after the scheduled program to explore the region’s deep cultural history, including Taos Pueblo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and its renowned arts community.

Taken together, the project offers a rare combination: a true high-country, off-grid trail experience within easy reach of vibrant mountain communities, deep cultural history, and world-class outdoor recreation.

The project will focus on repairing sections of the Lost Lake Trail near and below tree line that have been hit hard by recent storms and deferred maintenance. Each day will begins with a short hike (1/4 to 1.5 miles) to the work zone. The primary task is tread re-benching: using hand tools to cut trail back into the hillside. Additional projects will include light rock work to support rebuilt sections and install drainage features such as rolling grade dips to shed water and prevent erosion. Expect physically demanding days at high altitude in variable mountain weather. No prior trail-work experience is required—our crew leader will provide all training, tools, and supervision.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Avg. Temperature:

Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of around 75–80°F and lows of 45–50°F. Late August in the high elevations of northern New Mexico is warm in the afternoons and cool at night, with monsoon-season thunderstorms possible most days.

Land Acknowledgement:

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Ute and Pueblos people past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these islands and mountain landscapes for countless generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This acknowledgement is one step in our ongoing commitment to uplift Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to learn about, support, and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.