SAVE WILLIAMS LAKE

Public access to Williams Lake in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness is at risk. The historic Williams Lake/Wheeler Peak Trail which has been used for more than a century and is the only safe winter route may be lost due to Taos Ski Valley Inc. (TSVI) and resort owner Louis Bacon’s development in the Kachina Basin.

In 2018, the Forest Service was convinced to move the historic trail mostly off the private land owned (directly or indirectly) by Mr. Bacon and onto an alternate trail within the Special Use Permit (SUP) area that is within the National Forest used by the resort for the recreational activities. This not only occurred with minimal public input, but the associated deed uses language to “abaondon” the historic Williams Lake trail. The new alternate trail is inadequate for winter use and is now over TSVI-controlled forest land. We feel this decision/change was a mistake and that it’s important to help the public understand that this iconic trail is at risk.

TMA convened the Forest Service, TSVI, and the Village of Taos Ski Valley to seek solutions. TMA and Taos Land Trust proposed a conservation easement to secure the historic trail. TSVI/Mr. Bacon refused to consider this proposal at this time and TSVI withdrew from meetings with TMA. Mr. Bacon has also not engaged directly regarding this proposal.

With Mr. Bacon and his TSVI now owning private land in the Kachina Basin surrounding the SUP, developments could create a second base area and enable large-scale private projects that would further threaten public access to Williams Lake. Of considerable concern is any development on the riparian area of the Lake Fork stream watershed over which the historic trail passes.

TMA supports responsible recreation and lift-served skiing, but these issues require transparency, public involvement, and protection of the historic trail. We will continue working to learn, inform, and advocate for preserving access to Williams Lake and the surrounding wilderness.

For ongoing information navigate to our Issues/Forest Access pages.