Name: West Simpson Saddle Approach
Rating: 3.5

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Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

The ridgeline above the Williams Lake basin is the boundary of public lands. South of this ridge is Taos Pueblo land and is not open to public access. Please respect this historic boundary and avoid conflicts—anyone caught on Pueblo lands may have their possessions confiscated and be held in accordance with Tribal Law.

Description

This route crosses the southern side of the William's Lake basin and provides access to the ridge that separates the Carson National Forest and Taos Pueblo lands. This is a good route to get to the north-facing terrain on Sin Nombre, West Simpson, and Simpson Peak.

From Williams Lake, head south on the west side of the lake. Climb through some low-angle trees onto a flat basin, traverse across an open wetland known as The Bog near the bottom of two large avalanche paths. From the far side of The Bog, make a couple switchbacks to treeline and leave the trees, entering the alpine at a series of rolling glacial moraines on Sin Nombre's north slopes. Trend slightly to the southeast as the terrain levels out, then climb the slopes to the obvious saddle between Sin Nombre and West Simpson.