The Trampas Lakes Trail is a moderately difficult trail, climbing up the canyon and ending at either of three separate lake basins.  Each of these lakes is located in a beautiful setting at the base of high mountain ridges with jagged rocky peaks. 

Carson National Forest is in northern New Mexico. It covers an area of 1.5 million acres and has a diverse landscape that ranges from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. The forest is home to many wildlife species, including the endangered Mexican Spotted Owl and the New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse. The forest offers many recreational opportunities, such as skiing, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and bird watchng. The forest also has cultural and historical significance, as it contains prehistoric ruins, ice caves, lava flows, and ancestral lands of several Native American tribes.

From the Trampas Campground, the trail begins with a moderate to easy climb.  After a couple of miles, the canyon opens into a narrow, avalanche-created meadow and the first view of the rugged ridge to the southeast can be seen.  The trail begins a steeper climb after this, with a few switchbacks up the more difficult sections.  At about 5.5 miles, you will encounter a trail sign directing you to the different lake basin.  The trail to the west travels about a mile to Hidden Lake.  The trail continues south and heads upstream a short distance to the lower and upper Trampas Lakes (11,400).  In order to preserve the delicate lake environment, select a site outside the lake basin.  No grazing is available for horses.

It is possible to climb the ridge to the west of the lakes and drop down to the San Leonardo Lakes.  This is a very steep and difficult climb. The top of the ridge provides a spectacular view in all directions.