Hiking Southfork Trail 19

Trail 19, located at the Southfork Campground, does not disappoint. Bonito Lake is approximately 12 miles northwest of Ruidoso, NM. Both the lake and Southfork Campground have been closed since 2012 when the Little Bear Fire engulfed most of the vegetation, wherein the lake and surrounding acreage was left covered with ash. However, Trail 19 is still open for hiking and horseback riding. Should you choose to explore this stretch of forest land, take caution, as there is still excavation taking place in the area. From my experience the best time to go is early morning, between 0700-1000. As the day goes on the area becomes more populated, especially in the summertime. You can tell in viewing the pictures below just how beautiful it is to be tucked in to the mountain side. Along the way you can easily find a spot to sit in the river and relax or just spend hours venturing through the forest. This 6 mile hiking trail has an easy to follow path where you can cross and walk beside a river stream, pick wild raspberries, climb rock formations, and go down a natural water slide. It's also the perfect spot to have your well-behaved pups off leash! I’d recommend bringing water, a snack, baseball cap, sunscreen, camera/phone (for pictures), and a small pouch to hold your hand-picked raspberries.