Hiking to the top of Atalaya Mountain, 4/26/2018

When I researched things to do in Santa Fe, the Atalaya Mountain Trail is highly rated by visitors and locals alike. Located on the outskirts of Santa Fe, the mountain has an elevation of 9,121’. The Atalaya Mountain is in the Santa Fe National Forest and there are multiple hiking trails. We selected the trail that starts at St. John’s College.

It is rated a moderate (but steep at some sections) hike with an elevation gain of 1,800’ and seven miles (up and back). Follow signs for Trail #174. Initially the trail follows an arroyo and then a narrow canyon. After about a mile, the trail crosses a road. 

As the trail gradually gained elevation, we began to see views of Santa Fe in the distance. 

At the 1.4 mile mark, there is Trail number #170 that is an alternate branch to the top of the mountain. We stayed on #174.

Our sweet doggie, Sadie, loved this hike...so many new smells. When we came upon this hollow log, she stuck her head right into it.  Fortunately, there was not anything in there!

As we climbed higher, the views continued to get more impressive. But I always like snapping a closeup of interesting plants...like the curly-cues on this yucca plant.

Finally, we paused for a rest on this bench as we neared the ridge. Whew! 

After a steep portion of the trail, we reached some exposed rocks along the rocky ridge at the top. 

We spent some time enjoying our accomplishment (it was a long climb for us old people) and the sweeping views from here were awesome. 

We began our descent from Mount Atalaya, again steep in some places. There is a fork in the trail where you can take the “easier route” or the “steeper route.” During our ascent and descent we followed the “easier route” as it is a bit treacherous on the steep, gravel trail. 

After several miles we finally reached St. John’s College. We knew this was going to be a strenuous hike, but my fitbit said we walked over 10 miles! (We usually stick to about 5 miles.) And we were beat and thirsty by the time we reached the school. We did not bring enough water for this arid environment at the 7,000 to 9,000’ elevation (although we did have about 3 quarts). We are not yet acclimated to the altitude! 

Some advice for hikers on this trail: Bring a quart of water per person per hour (about four) and carry some high protein snacks as well. Be sure to allow enough time for the descent or carry flashlights or headlamps to if you are hiking in the dark here. 

The views, however, were worth the effort. This is a hike we will long remember! And it is one aspect we really like about Santa Fe in addition to the history and art...the many hiking trails.