Carson National Forest
Serpent Lake Trail #19

In the summer months, this trail is used for hiking and horseback riding. In winter, this trail is used for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

Access:

This trail climbs from Serpent Lake Trailhead located at the end of Forest Road 161 to the Jicarita Peak Ridge then descends 1,000 feet in elevation into the East Fork of the Rio Santa Barbara drainage. The 1,000 foot drop into the drainage is steep and difficult.

Attractions and Considerations:

About 3.5 miles from the Alamitos Trailhead a spur trail takes a side trip to Serpent Lake. After that, the trail climbs steeply up Jicarita Peak Ridge for another mile. The Jicarita Peak Ridge is barren and exposed and should be avoided during bad weather.

• Location: Camino Real Ranger District - Northern Pecos Wilderness
• Length: 7 miles one-way
• Use: Heavy
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Beginning Elevation: 10,400 feet
• Ending Elevation: 10,300 feet
• Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet, then drops 1,700 feet
• USGS QUADS: Jicarita Peak, Holman