Cabresto Lake - FS 134A

Total Miles
2.2

Elevation

2,814.86 ft

Duration

1 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

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Cabresto Lake - FS 134A 11

Trail Overview

Forest Service Road 134A is a steep, rocky road that leads to Cabresto Lake; it's a beautiful mountain lake surrounded by the high peaks of Carson National Forest. The trail is narrow and consists of sharp rocks no larger than 12 inches in height. High-clearance 4x4 is recommended but high-clearance AWD SUVs should be able to make it up to the lake with extreme caution. This out-and-back trail traverses along the side of a valley and offers great views of Carson National Forest. Cabresto Lake sits at the end of the trail and is a popular spot for picnics, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and camping. The lake is one of the few places in New Mexico for catching brook trout. There are wild chipmunks and birds including woodpeckers and cardinals. There are 9 designated primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. No permit is required and there are picnic tables and a vault toilet in the middle of the parking lot. This trail is also heavily trafficked by side-by-sides. The lake is generally open from May to November.

Photos of Cabresto Lake - FS 134A

Cabresto Lake - FS 134A
Cabresto Lake - FS 134A
Cabresto Lake - FS 134A

Difficulty

This trail has sharp, rocky terrain. Airing down is recommended.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Benjamin Foss
May 05, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Driven on May 5-6. Trail was dry with no snow or mud. Saw no one on the way up or down but a couple people came and went while I was at the lake. Only in other camper came on a Sunday night. I only found 5 campsites, not 9, but still plenty of space. Some great hiking right there as well, and a vault toilet. Great views, easy (but rocky) trail that most 4WD SUVs should be able to manage with ease. I did not encounter any wildlife aside from a few birds. Definitely would come back.
Zach H
Mar 07, 2024
4x4
Open
Muddy/Wet
Snow/Ice
1 more week snowmelt made the difference, was a fun and slightly challenging drive up to the top and an easy walk down to the lake which is still frozen. The route is mostly uncovered and where there is snow you can generally see down to the gravel/rock road. 4lo and center diff locked to be safe but any decent 4x4 should be fine. Recommend parking right before it opens up for the turnaround at the top as that is still pretty deep and slushy.
Zach H
Mar 01, 2024
4x4
Open
Snow/Ice
Lighter snow and ice for most of the trail. Little to no slippage on 4hi in my gx460 but towards the top hit some deeper snow. Spun tires and drifted slightly toward the edge but was easily able to back up. I would have engaged 4low and locked center diff for another try but my gf was too nervous so we headed back. I would say with a decent amount of certainty that I could have made it up with another try. If you try this trail I would recommend airing down and going into 4low and locking diffs sooner rather than later. Hopefully will try again soon. Good luck!

Access Description

From Colorado, take Colorado Highway 159 to New Mexico Highway 522 towards Taos, New Mexico. Before the town of Questa, New Mexico, take a left on Llano Road towards Forest Service Road 134. Continue down FS 134 for about three miles, then turn left of FS 134A where there is a staging area for SxS trailers.

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