Deception Peak

As an acclimitizer before attempting a 14er in Colorado, we decided to hike Deception peak outside Santa Fe. The hike begins at the ski area. Start at the Windsor trail sign, cross a wooden footbridge and turn right. This first 3/4s of a mile is steep. Follow this to the Pecos Wilderness boundry sign. Turn right and follow a fence. From here the trail levels off a bit. When the fence ends you will see a great view of Santa Fe baldy. You are on Ravens Ridge. To follow the trail from here, stay to the left. As a matter of fact, stay to the left as often as possible. This part of the trail can be very confusing. This is especially true when you come to the boulder field. Remember always stay to the left. Dont descend from the ridge. After the boulder field, the trail turns onto a maze of trails. We were really confused here. However keep climbing. Eventually Lake peak comes into view through the trees. Where do we go from here? The trail is not even visible. Fortunately a hiker familiar with the area assisted us. From here descend down through the trees. There is a faint trail, look hard for it. the trail will begin to climb after you desend. You will come to a false summit. Keep climbing and you will be on the summit of Deception Peak. The day was cloudy so the views were just ok. This is a great hike. However you can become very frustrated, very quickly with the trail.