Day Hiking

Don suggested this hike

This hike begins on the outskirts of the city of Santa Fe and affords panoramic views of the Rio Grande valley and the city of Santa Fe as well as an introduction to the vegetation characteristic of the foothills and mountains of this area.

Atalaya Mountain Hiking Trail
Length: Trail 174 is approx. 7 miles round-trip, Trail 170 is 4.6 miles round-trip
Degree of Difficulty: Easy-Difficult
Altitude: 8240 to 8800 ft
Seasonal: 4 Season (Snow in winter possible)
The Atalaya Mountain Trail, accessible from the parking lot at St. Johns College, is one of the most popular and easily accessible hiking trails in Santa Fe. Hikers have the option of taking the longer route (Trail 174), which is approximately 7 miles round-trip, or parking farther up near the Ponderosa Ridge development and doing a 4.6-mile loop (Trail 170) instead. Both trials eventually join and take you toward the top of Atalaya Mountain, a 9,121-foot peak. The first few miles of the trail are relatively easy, but it becomes increasingly steep and strenuous as you near the summit of Atalaya Mountain. Hikers who make it to the top are afforded great views of the Rio Grande valley and the city below.

Activity Type:     Hiking
Nearby City:     Santa Fe
Length:     7 total miles
Elevation Gain:     1,781 feet
Trail Type:     Out-and-back
Skill Level:     Easy
Duration:     Day hike
Season:     Best spring to fall, depending on weather
Local Contacts:     Santa Fe National Forest


Holy Ghost Trailhead
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/santafe/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=75898&actid=50