{"id":54007,"global_id":"americanhiking.org?id=54007","global_id_lineage":["americanhiking.org?id=54007"],"author":"50","status":"publish","date":"2025-12-12 17:24:08","date_utc":"2025-12-12 22:24:08","modified":"2026-04-20 14:14:59","modified_utc":"2026-04-20 18:14:59","url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/volunteer-vacation-trip\/taos-alpine-lost-lake-pueblo-heritage-an-icon-a-legend-and-the-moment-guided-backpacking-trip-nm\/","rest_url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-json\/tribe\/events\/v1\/events\/54007","title":"Taos Lost Lake Trail Restoration: Explore the Alpine and a Cultural Heritage Hotspot(Guided Backpacking Trip), NM","description":"

***Special Promotion**<\/span>* All trip participants will receive a Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven K\u00e5nken R backpack (not suitable for overnight backpacking) (valued at $100) generously donated by our good friends at Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven. Made from recycled materials and ready for adventure!<\/b><\/p>\n

Backpacking through New Mexico’s Iconic high -country trails!<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

From there you’ll backpack into Lost Lake \u2014 a stunning alpine basin perched at tree line \u2014 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\u2019s deep cultural history, including Taos Pueblo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and its renowned arts community.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2014our crew leader will provide all training, tools, and supervision.<\/p>\n

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation!\u00a0<\/b>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\u2019s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions\u00a0here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Avg. Temperature:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of around 75\u201380\u00b0F and lows of 45\u201350\u00b0F. 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.<\/p>\n

Land Acknowledgement:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>","excerpt":"","slug":"taos-alpine-lost-lake-pueblo-heritage-an-icon-a-legend-and-the-moment-guided-backpacking-trip-nm","image":{"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ll-camp.jpg","id":54093,"extension":"jpg","width":2560,"height":1920,"filesize":835544,"sizes":{"medium":{"width":550,"height":413,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":42226,"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ll-camp-550x413.jpg"},"large":{"width":800,"height":600,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":86144,"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ll-camp-800x600.jpg"},"thumbnail":{"width":300,"height":300,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":16654,"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ll-camp-300x300.jpg"},"1536x1536":{"width":1536,"height":1152,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":302084,"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ll-camp-1536x1152.jpg"},"2048x2048":{"width":2048,"height":1536,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":501570,"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ll-camp-2048x1536.jpg"},"rta_thumb_no_cropped_1920x9999":{"width":1920,"height":1440,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":446333,"url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ll-camp-1920x1440.jpg"}}},"all_day":true,"start_date":"2026-08-15 00:00:00","start_date_details":{"year":"2026","month":"08","day":"15","hour":"00","minutes":"00","seconds":"00"},"end_date":"2026-08-22 23:59:59","end_date_details":{"year":"2026","month":"08","day":"22","hour":"23","minutes":"59","seconds":"59"},"utc_start_date":"2026-08-15 04:00:00","utc_start_date_details":{"year":"2026","month":"08","day":"15","hour":"04","minutes":"00","seconds":"00"},"utc_end_date":"2026-08-23 03:59:59","utc_end_date_details":{"year":"2026","month":"08","day":"23","hour":"03","minutes":"59","seconds":"59"},"timezone":"America\/New_York","timezone_abbr":"EDT","cost":"","cost_details":{"currency_symbol":"","currency_code":"","currency_position":"","values":[]},"website":"","show_map":true,"show_map_link":true,"hide_from_listings":false,"sticky":false,"featured":false,"categories":[],"tags":[],"venue":{"id":54008,"author":"50","status":"publish","date":"2025-12-12 17:24:08","date_utc":"2025-12-12 22:24:08","modified":"2026-01-14 09:50:57","modified_utc":"2026-01-14 14:50:57","url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/location\/carson-national-forest\/","venue":"Carson National Forest","slug":"carson-national-forest","address":"Middle Fork Lake Trailhead","city":"Toas","country":"United States","state":"NM","stateprovince":"NM","json_ld":{"@type":"Place","name":"Carson National Forest","description":"","url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/location\/carson-national-forest\/","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"Middle Fork Lake Trailhead","addressLocality":"Toas","addressRegion":"NM","addressCountry":"United States"},"telephone":"","sameAs":""},"show_map":true,"show_map_link":true,"global_id":"americanhiking.org?id=54008","global_id_lineage":["americanhiking.org?id=54008"]},"organizer":[{"id":54386,"author":"35","status":"publish","date":"2025-12-16 16:03:37","date_utc":"2025-12-16 21:03:37","modified":"2025-12-16 16:03:37","modified_utc":"2025-12-16 21:03:37","url":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/host\/enchanted-circle-trail-association\/","organizer":"Enchanted Circle Trail Association","slug":"enchanted-circle-trail-association","json_ld":{"@type":"Person","name":"Enchanted Circle Trail Association","description":"","url":"","telephone":"","email":"","sameAs":""},"global_id":"americanhiking.org?id=54386","global_id_lineage":["americanhiking.org?id=54386"]}],"custom_fields":{"_ecp_custom_3":{"label":"Project Rating","value":"Strenuous"},"_ecp_custom_4":{"label":"Trip Accommodations","value":"Primitive Tent Sites"},"_ecp_custom_5":{"label":"Accommodations Description","value":"Basecamp at backcountry campsite near a pristine alpine lake. Volunteers need to bring their own backpacks, tent and personal camping gear; water filtration, sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; towels; and personal cup, bowl, mug, and eating utensils."},"_ecp_custom_6":{"label":"Area and Attractions","value":"High in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico, along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway between the mountain town of Red River and the cultural hub of Taos is the Lost Lake Trail. Recreational opportunities in the immediate area include day hikes and backpacking routes to other alpine lakes and nearby peaks, fishing for native trout in high-elevation lakes, and exploring extensive trail networks in both the Wheeler Peak and Columbine\u2013Hondo Wilderness areas. Before or after the project, visitors can enjoy scenic drives and road biking along the Enchanted Circle, raft the Rio Grande Gorge, camp in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, or ride the world-class mountain bike park at Angel Fire. For a deeper cultural experience, explore Taos Pueblo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit local museums and galleries, and savor northern New Mexico\u2019s renowned green-chile cuisine. \r\nTaken 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."},"_ecp_custom_9":{"label":"Minimum Age","value":"18"},"_ecp_custom_10":{"label":"Maximum Group Size","value":"8"},"_ecp_custom_11":{"label":"Travel Details","value":"Taos, NM (TSM - Limited Service), Santa Fe, NM (SAF - Great options, 1.5 hr drive), Albuquerque (ABQ - Cheapest Options, 3 hr drive) all provide airport options. Airport pickup is not available but carpooling can be arranged upon confirmation of the trip. Plan to arrive the night before to allow for an early departure time. "},"_ecp_custom_23":{"label":"Project Access","value":"Volunteers will hike 6 miles with 2,000 ft of climbing on well-established trail with consistent 6-8% grade to basecamp. Participants should expect to carry their gear. Transportation can be provided from Taos to the trailhead on arrival and departure days. For those driving themselves, the road is paved up until the last 1.5 miles, which are unpaved but navigable in most vehicles."},"_ecp_custom_32":{"label":"Hike Type","value":"Backpacking"},"_ecp_custom_33":{"label":"Registration URL","value":"https:\/\/americanhiking.org\/civicrm\/event\/register\/?id=380&reset=1"},"_ecp_custom_34":{"label":"Trip Length","value":"Full (week long)"},"_ecp_custom_37":{"label":"Volunteer Age","value":"Adults age 18 and up"}},"json_ld":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Event","name":"Taos Lost Lake Trail Restoration: Explore the Alpine and a Cultural Heritage Hotspot(Guided Backpacking Trip), NM","description":"<p>***Special Promotion*** All trip participants will receive a Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven K\u00e5nken R backpack (not suitable for overnight backpacking) (valued at $100) generously donated by our good friends at Fj\u00e4llr\u00e4ven. 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