Truthfully coming down was harder than going up. The trail is well used and is a nice singletrack winding through the forest. The trail is rated as difficult and is primarily used for hiking and running. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. There are four geographic regions that make up the Espanola Ranger District within the Santa Fe National Forest. Sep 26, 2014 | Uncategorized. *Make sure you check whether these trails are open before you go. Great hike not far from the city. I made it up in about 1:30 and down in just under an hour. Taking the easier adds about half a mile. Dog friendly (off leash). Challenging if you do the steeper side but well worth the view. This hike could be hot on a summer day, so come prepared. Pack water and a snack. Dogs are also able to use this trail. I highly recommend this hike and if you do it at sunset definitely take the proper headlamps to get down safely. There is a nice mostly flat area at the top with plentiful views of the city. Once you get past the tighter switchbacks you'll reach the summit. Beautiful views at top. 30. the grade is a consistent 15-20%, which makes for an exceptionally hard but rewarding workout. Midwesterner at heart. Just over an hour up on the steep route and under 45 down also the steep route. How was the view? Beyond that the area was severely burned and the trail no longer exist. Description From a large parking lot at St. John's College, the trail heads north and east. Description: Atalaya trail is a popular local trail with fantastic views of the City of Santa Fe, the Jemez Mountains, the Sandia Mountains, ... but the trail remnants are still very hard to find and follow. The drive is pleasant and you end up seeing some beautiful homes in the area. 30 de abril de 2019. The trailhead parking lot allows for 7 vehicles and has been full many times I’ve gone to park there. Great hike in the Santa Fe area. Feels like you’re not supposed to go right but I saw signs and other hikers/ bikers. The sandy bottom of this trail provides good drainage and this trail can usually be ridden shortly after a hard rain, when other trails in the area are closed. My wife and I hiked this trail. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. To walk to the trailhead, you’ll go through private neighborhoods. It skirts an arroyo before crossing it to gain the sweet singletrack that climbs and climbs to the summit of Atalaya Mountain. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Professional freelance writer. The first few miles of the trail are relatively easy, but it becomes increasingly steep and strenuous as you near the summit. Close to Santa Fe downtown/south capital area which makes it a convenient half day trip. This Mountaintop Trail in New Mexico Is What Dreams Are Made Of Hiking in the Land of Enchantment is absolutely breathtaking, whether it’s an easy hike or a more difficult one. The steep didn’t seem any steeper than steep areas on the rest of the trail. Difficult. After traipsing along the top of this berm, you turn into a narrow canyon with a rocky floor and start to weave through big ponderosa pines. Head up the steps on the Atalaya trail and begin your major climb. 4.0 (1) Areas; NM … North Central New Mexico; Santa Fe “ A rugged trail up the south ridgeline of Atalaya Mountain. COVID-19 may impact some of these experiences in the short term. Atalaya Trail, Oct. 7: Hard hats are required to work on national forest trails. Neither trail up Atalaya is particularly hard but it is a good workout with great views either way. In September and October, we turned our attention to the City’s Dorothy Stewart Trail and Santa Fe National Forest’s Atalaya Trail, for which we recently renewed our adoption. If you want a hike that’s even more challenging, this one is one of the most dangerous in New Mexico. Overview This is a difficult loop trail to Atalaya Mountain in Santa Fe National Forest. It features recommendations on things to do and see during your stay, like exploring the Atalaya Mountain Hiking Trail. Hard Atalaya Difficult. The Trek up the Atalaya Mountain Hiking Trail. Only saw10 pr so people. Beautiful! Great view along the way and even better at the peak. The views were amazing. I did my research and my daughter and I set out for a nice hike in the woods. Set amidst a lush cedar, oak, and ponderosa pine forest, the trailhead lies on Camino De Cruz Blanca ahead of the Lower Trailhead. Santa Fe, NM. Santa Fe, NM. There were a few false trails, so verifying you are on trail with the app helps. Dogs are also able to use this trail. We took the easier on the way up and steep on the way down.