Atalaya Mountain Trail Is An Easy Hike In New Mexico That Takes You To An Unforgettable View

The Atalaya Mountain Trail offers a wilderness-like experience without a long trip into the backcountry. The trailhead is less than three miles from Santa Fe Plaza, so it's very easy to reach. Hikers who take on this trail will be rewarded with an expansive view of the surrounding mountains and the adobe buildings of Santa Fe. The hike can get steep in spots and covers six miles if you do the whole loop. But to keep the hike easy, you can easily modify the hike and still enjoy some incredible views.

You can find the parking and trailhead near St. John's College. it's a private liberal arts school with two campuses. One is in Annapolis, Maryland. The other is here, at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

This trail can include some steep segments, particularly as you near the summit. For a less difficult hike, follow the signs to the easier route.

The climate may change a bit as you head up the trail, adding a bit of winter beauty to the landscape. Be sure to dress in layers.

The trail is well-marked but it can get a little rocky in spots. A good pair of shoes or boots will keep you on track.

Take time to admire the wild beauty of the trail, like the beautiful flowering cacti.

The view from the top is pretty incredible. If you go all the way to the summit, the hike will be around 6 miles. To make the hike considerably easier, turn back after about 2 miles. You can enjoy some nice views and skip some of the steeper parts of the trail.

Because the Atalaya Mountain Trail is close to downtown Santa Fe it's very popular. Arrive early to beat the crowds. Looking for more New Mexico hiking spots? Here are 12 more spots for a short but rewarding hike in New Mexico.