Williams Lake (New Mexico) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Williams Lake |
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Williams Lake
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 Williams Lake
Location in New Mexico
Williams Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Taos County, New Mexico, United States |
| Coordinates | 36°33′22″N 105°25′46″W / 36.556222°N 105.429437°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 0.10 mi (0.16 km) |
| Max. width | 0.07 mi (0.11 km) |
| Surface elevation | 11,040 ft (3,360 m) |
Williams Lake is a beautiful mountain lake in Taos County, New Mexico, United States. It sits high up in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This special lake is found below Wheeler Peak, which is the tallest mountain in New Mexico.
The lake is part of the Carson National Forest. It is also inside the Wheeler Peak Wilderness, a protected natural area.
Contents
Exploring Williams Lake
Williams Lake is a small but amazing place. It is known as an alpine lake, which means it is located very high in the mountains. The lake's surface is about 11,040 feet (3,365 meters) above sea level.
Getting to the Lake
You can reach Williams Lake by hiking. The main path is called the Williams Lake Trail. This trail starts from the Taos Ski Valley. It is a popular hike for people who love nature and mountain views.
How Williams Lake Was Formed
Williams Lake is a glacial lake. This means it was formed a very long time ago by glaciers. Glaciers are huge, slow-moving sheets of ice. As they moved down the mountains, they carved out the land. When the glaciers melted, they left behind a basin that filled with water, creating the lake.
The Story Behind the Name
Williams Lake is named after a man named William Frazer. He was a gold miner who lived in the late 1800s. William Frazer came to this area looking for gold. He claimed land here to mine for valuable minerals.
Twining Mining Camp
William Frazer also helped start a mining camp called Twining. This camp was a small settlement where miners lived and worked. It was an important place during the time when many people were searching for gold and other minerals in New Mexico. The lake was named in his honor because of his work in the area.
Images for kids
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Williams Lake from Wheeler Peak
