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Lake Katherine - Hiking

Alberta North, Alberta, Canada

Lake Katherine Statistics

Distance

26 KM

Estimated Time

24 hours

What are the activities at Lake Katherine ?

Hiking

See photos of hiking at Lake Katherine

Why choose a trail at Lake Katherine?

Santa Fe Baldy is a prominent summit in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico, United States, located 15 mi (24 km) northeast of Santa Fe. There are no higher mountains in New Mexico south of Santa Fe Baldy. It is prominent as seen from Los Alamos and communities along the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico, but is relatively inconspicuous from Santa Fe, as its north-south trending main ridge line is seen nearly end-on, disguising the size of the mountain. Tree line in the Sangre de Cristos is unusually high (exceeding 12,000 feet (3,700 m) in places) and only the top 600 to 800 feet (180 to 240 m) of the mountain is perpetually free of trees, but several severe forest fires have created bare spots extending to lower elevations. An extensive region of aspen trees on its flanks produces spectacular orange-yellow coloration during the fall that is the subject of many photographic studies. Santa Fe Baldy rises in the Pecos Wilderness within the Santa Fe National Forest, on the water divide between the Rio Grande and the Pecos River. The western slopes are drained by the Rio Capulin and the Rio Nambe, both flowing to the Rio Grande. The eastern side of the mountain consists of two small cirques, one containing Lake Katherine, one of the highest lakes in New Mexico at elevation 11,745 feet (3,580 m). Lake Katherine was given its name by theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer The peak is accessed by Trail 251, the Skyline Trail, which climbs to a saddle about 1,000 feet (300 m) below the summit; the remaining distance is covered by a steep unofficial trail along the ridgeline. Under good conditions the summit is a simple "walk-up" climb, but the Sangre de Cristos are unusually prone to lightning, and during the summer months, the wise hiker is off Santa Fe Baldy and other high summits in the range by noon, to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Nearby peaks include Lake Peak, 12,409 feet (3,782 m) and Tesuque Peak, 12,043 feet (3,671 m), both located about 3 miles (4.8 km) to the south of Santa Fe Baldy. Santa Fe Ski Basin is on the western slopes of Tesuque Peak. On 11 June 2009, Santa Fe Baldy was the scene of a helicopter accident that claimed the life of New Mexico State Police Sergeant Andrew Tingwall and University of New Mexico graduate student Megumi Yamamoto. The helicopter crashed after Tingwall rescued Yamamoto. Yamamoto had been hiking with her boyfriend, but had become lost.

Lake Katherine is a beautiful, serene lake located in the heart of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. The lake is surrounded by pristine forests and towering mountains, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking on the lake, or simply relax on the beach and take in the stunning views. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, bears, and wolves.


What are the services on site?

Rate & open hour

Access fee $ 0.00
Schedule

From sunrise to sunset

Coordinates
-116.3920443
51.6873595

What are the coordinates and address of Lake Katherine?

Lake Katherine
Lake Katherine, Alberta, Canada

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Starting Point

The start of the trails at the Lake Katherine in Alberta can be accessed by travelling east on Highway 11 from Calgary. The Lake Katherine entrance is located on the north side of the highway, approximately 9 km east of the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 22.

Why visit Lake Katherine

The Lake Katherine in Alberta is a beautiful place to visit. The lake is surrounded by trees and wildlife, and it is a great place to go fishing or hiking. The lake is also a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Is Lake Katherine in Alberta a good place for the whole family?

Lake Katherine is a great place for the whole family. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy, including fishing, swimming, and hiking.

Things not to be missed

The best activities near Lake Katherine in Alberta are hiking, fishing, and camping.

1. Hiking: There are a number of hiking trails near Lake Katherine, including the popular Katherine Lake Trail. This trail is a moderate hike that takes you around the lake, providing beautiful views of the water and the surrounding mountains.

2. Fishing: The lake is a great spot for fishing, with plenty of trout and other fish to be caught.

3. Boating: You can enjoy a day on the water by renting a boat or canoe and exploring the lake.

4. Camping: There are several campsites near the lake, perfect for an overnight stay or longer.

5. Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bears. Take a walk or drive through the forest to see these animals in their natural habitat.

Where to eat?

1. The Blue Chair - A hidden cafe located in a residential area near the lake. They serve breakfast and lunch and have a wide variety of menu items.

2. The Boathouse - A restaurant located on the edge of the lake that specializes in fresh seafood. They have a patio that offers beautiful views of the lake.

3. The Gables - A pub located in a historic building near the lake. They have a large menu with something for everyone, and their patio is a great place to relax and enjoy the views.

4. The Landing - A restaurant located in a historic building on the edge of the lake. They specialize in fresh seafood and have a patio that offers beautiful views of the lake.

5. The Mill - A pub located in a historic building near the lake. They have a large menu with something for everyone, and their patio is a great place to relax and enjoy the views.

Let’s Answer Your Questions - FAQ

Is the place are families friendly?

No

Is there an information center / service center / reception?

No
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