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Goat Lake via Midnight Meadows

Carson National Forest, New Mexico · 3 min read

Distance
7 mi
Elevation Gain
2,200 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
June through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
8 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Goat Lake in the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness at approximately 11,600 feet
  • Midnight Meadows: an open subalpine meadow midway through the route
  • Significantly fewer visitors than Williams Lake despite comparable scenery
  • Views of the northern Taos Mountain peaks from the upper trail
  • Good cutthroat and brook trout fishing at the lake

Overview

Goat Lake is one of the better-kept secrets in the Taos Mountains section of Carson National Forest. The route via Midnight Meadows reaches a high alpine lake at approximately 11,600 feet in the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness while avoiding the congestion that defines the Williams Lake trailhead on summer weekends. The additional distance and elevation compared to Williams Lake are the filter that keep this trail relatively quiet.

The 7-mile round trip climbs 2,200 feet through forest and subalpine terrain, passing through the expansive opening of Midnight Meadows, one of the better wildlife observation areas in the northern Hondo Canyon. The meadow is particularly active at dawn and dusk when elk move through from the surrounding forest. Above the meadow, the trail enters the wilderness boundary and climbs to the lake basin through increasingly open terrain.

Fishing at the lake is consistently good for cutthroat and brook trout. Overnight visitors find the basin peaceful and the camping less pressured than at Williams Lake.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2: Hondo Canyon Climb. The trail begins in the Rio Hondo Canyon on a rough pullout off Highway 150 and climbs steadily through aspen and spruce-fir forest. The grade is steeper than the Williams Lake approach, which discourages casual visitors. Midnight Meadows appears at mile 2 as the forest opens suddenly into a broad subalpine clearing. Pause here: elk are frequently visible at the meadow margins in early morning.

Miles 2 to 3.5: Midnight Meadows to Wilderness. The trail crosses the meadow on a faint tread and re-enters the forest on the far side, climbing steadily toward the wilderness boundary. Views of the higher peaks begin to appear above the treeline.

Miles 3.5 to 3.5: Upper Basin and Goat Lake. Above the wilderness boundary, the trail enters alpine terrain. The final half-mile crosses tundra and light talus to the lake basin. Goat Lake sits below a rocky headwall at approximately 11,600 feet.

When to Visit

June through October. The meadow and lower trail open earlier than the upper basin, which may hold snow through mid-June. September is excellent: stable weather, fall color in the aspens below, and minimal visitor traffic.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry the following:

  • Water filter (creek and meadow stream water requires treatment)
  • Bear canister for overnight trips
  • Wind and rain shell for the exposed upper basin
  • Trekking poles for steep descent
  • Fishing gear if desired

Practical Details

No permit required (as of 2026). No trailhead facilities. Dispersed camping in the wilderness. Managed by the Camino Real Ranger District of Carson National Forest.

Getting There

From Taos, take NM Highway 150 northeast toward Taos Ski Valley. The Midnight Meadows Trailhead pullout is on the left side of Highway 150, approximately 10 miles from Taos, before reaching the ski valley entrance. The pullout is small and easy to miss; download the trailhead coordinates before departing. Drive time from Taos is approximately 25 minutes.

Trailhead Parking

Midnight Meadows Trailhead off NM Highway 150 in the Rio Hondo Canyon. Unpaved pullout for 8-10 vehicles. No fee.

← Back to Carson National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Goat Lake harder to reach than Williams Lake?
Yes, Goat Lake is longer (7 miles vs. 4.4) and gains more elevation (2,200 vs. 900 feet) than Williams Lake. It is best suited for hikers who are comfortable with a more demanding effort and are specifically seeking a less-crowded alternative.
What is Midnight Meadows?
Midnight Meadows is a broad subalpine meadow at approximately 10,200 feet that the trail passes through on the approach to Goat Lake. The meadow is a wildlife area: elk and deer use it as a grazing corridor, particularly in early morning and evening.
Is there fishing at Goat Lake?
Yes. Goat Lake supports cutthroat and brook trout. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required.
Can you camp at Goat Lake?
Dispersed camping is permitted in the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness around Goat Lake. The lake receives less camping pressure than Williams Lake, making overnight stays more solitary. Camp at least 200 feet from the lakeshore.