The Roads at Hidden Lake
The first dirt road that is encountered while traveling to Hidden Lake is New Mexico State Highway 120. This roadway, while boasting a sign at the cattle gate that indicates travel may be impossible during inclement weather is usually open at least to the Hidden Lake turnoff. Of course, there are times during actual winter storms when travel is not a good idea, but the road is usually available soon after a storm. In most cases, other travelers "beat a path" that makes the road passable, and the state snow plows get to it when they can. The roads at Hidden Lake are technically county roads, but are not maintained by the county. The responsibility for road maintenance rests with the Hidden Lake Property Owners Association. A caretaker is employed by the association, and it is his responsibility to plow roads and provide general security, among other duties.
When living in the mountains, including Hidden Lake, it’s a good idea to have a four wheel drive vehicle in good repair. As always in any mountainous area, carry basic gear survival gear, including blankets for passengers, water and food, and so on.
Roads are maintained by the Hidden Lake Property Owner's Association. The association has recently purchased several pieces of equipment specifically for road maintenance, including this John Deere grader, which is pictured here at the right. As a backup and as a general purpose plow, the Association has also purchased a small 4WD John Deere tractor with a snow plow, snow blower, scraper, front loader, and fork lift attachments.