New Mexico's Breathtaking Heart-Shaped Lake Offers Sweeping Rocky Mountain Views Clear To Colorado

New Mexico's landscape is famous for its deserts, but venture north and you'll find a very different kind of terrain — rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and untouched lakes. Just north of Taos, known for its 1,000-year-old World Heritage Site, lies the Latir Peak Wilderness. This remote area is dotted with small, high-altitude lakes, remnants of ancient glaciers that once carved through the land and melted after the Ice Age. Among them is Heart Lake, an aptly named heart-shaped body of water hidden in the wilderness and surrounded by mountains, making it both a romantic destination and a hiker's dream.

Though relatively shallow, Heart Lake is home to a few trout, making it a peaceful spot if you want to try fishing. However, it's best known for the breathtaking views awaiting those who trek to its shores. The only way to reach the lake is by foot, following a scenic trail that winds through forests, crosses bubbling creeks, and climbs to an alpine ridge. From the top, hikers are rewarded with sweeping panoramas of Heart Lake below, the shimmering Latir Lakes, and the towering Rocky Mountains stretching all the way into Colorado.

To start your journey to Heart Lake, you'll head to the trailhead at Cabresto Lake, which you can drive to from Questa in about 25 minutes. The area is home to the Cabresto Lake Campground, where campers can wake up surrounded by the peaks of the Carson National Forest. The trail to Heart Lake is an out-and-back route totaling around 9 miles, with most hikers completing it in about five hours, according to AllTrails. Beginning at an elevation of over 9,000 feet, the trail gradually ascends through a section of steep switchbacks, making it a moderate to challenging trek. Much of the route follows the path of Lake Fork, where brook trout can often be spotted swimming through the waters. The hike starts on the Lake Fork Trail, passing through dense conifer forests before opening into vibrant meadows bursting with wildflowers.

As you climb higher, the surrounding peaks and mesas come into view, with Latir Peak standing tall above Heart Lake. A key landmark signaling you're nearing the lake is a set of two parallel streams. From here, follow the left-hand stream, and soon you'll reach the sparkling waters of Heart Lake itself. While the lake covers just about 3 acres, the real highlight is found by continuing up the ridge along Heart Lake Trail 85. From this vantage point, you'll get an unforgettable aerial view of the heart-shaped lake below, along with the Rocky Mountains extending to Colorado and the Latir Lakes scattered across the alpine mesa. Keep in mind that you can't cross into the Latir Lakes area — it's private property.

Make sure to check the weather, pack extra layers, and bring plenty of water before hitting the trail. Reviewers note that the initial miles of the Heart Lake trail can be wet, so wearing proper footwear and long pants is a good idea. While the hike is accessible year-round, the best months to visit are June through September, when the weather is mild and the ridges are mostly free of snow. If you're going on your own, read up on safety tips to know before your first solo hike.

To get to Questa, the closest major airports are Albuquerque International Airport — about a three-hour drive away — or Santa Fe Regional Airport, roughly two hours from town, for those traveling from other parts of the Southwest. Santa Fe, called America's oldest capital city and a cultural paradise, makes for a fun stop along the way. Questa itself serves as a perfect base camp before or after your hike. Reward yourself with a hearty meal at Wildcat's Den in town after conquering the trail. Tripadvisor reviewer argylecutter raved, "Great burger joint. Perfect meal after a day of hiking." This local favorite serves up comfort food like chili burgers and shrimp baskets, ideal for restocking on energy.