"We left early Tuesday morning, July 19, 2005, driving to the Latir Lakes in Northern New Mexico. We headed almost to the Colorado border, to the town of Costilla, then southeast on highway 196 for about a half an hour. We turned right into the privately owned Rio Costilla Recreation area. The nightly fee to camp is $20.00. We took our 4 wheel drive Toyota Land Curser. It is possible to make it without a 4 wheel drive but you might get in trouble. The Latir Lakes are a series of 9 beautiful high alpine lakes. We camped at the end of the road, just before the third lake, right by the outlet stream. Just above the lake, where we are staying, is a stunning waterfall. I went with my wife, 4 daughters and our 2 dogs. This was our 4th annual camping trip. Last year we camped at the beautiful Shuree Ponds, about 45 minutes away and the year before Goose Lake. We all stayed in a big tent at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. We set up camp; the girls enjoyed the area and the lake near our camp. We had a nice dinner then a campfire with roasted marshmallows. The next morning, after breakfast, we all went hiking to the top of the waterfall. The only one that wanted to continue on with me was ..." — Phil-Robinson • Jul 20, 2005