Do I need a permit to hike Spirit Lake, Katherine Lake, Stewart Lake, and Lake Johnson Loop?

No, Spirit Lake, Katherine Lake, Stewart Lake, and Lake Johnson Loop does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Spirit Lake, Katherine Lake, Stewart Lake, and Lake Johnson Loop?

Spirit Lake, Katherine Lake, Stewart Lake, and Lake Johnson Loop is rated expert. It is 22.3 miles long with 6,201 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See New Mexico trail conditions

Spirit Lake, Katherine Lake, Stewart Lake, and Lake Johnson Loop

ExpertLoop

New Mexico

Spirit Lake, Katherine Lake, Stewart Lake, and Lake Johnson Loop

Tererro, New Mexico

22.3 mi

Distance

6,201 ft

Elev. Gain

10h

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Start at the altitude of 8100' on the Winsor 254 Trail. Then go to the lake at 10,809'. The highest lake was LakeKatherine at 11,742'. Go back down on the Skyline 251 Trail to Stewart Lake. To get back to the car, take the ridge.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:2,489 ft

Max:3,586 ft

1,890 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context