Atalaya Mountain Morning

I'm in Santa Fe this week, and got up early this morning to squeeze in some time on the trail before my breakfast meeting. I've heard from many Santa Feans that the Atalaya Trail is an iconic, "must do" climb for anyone who visits, so I made my way to the Atalaya trailhead on the campus of St. John's College to give it a try.

I was not disappointed! The trail begins along a mostly dry arroyo, before climbing along a series of switchbacks to the top of Atalaya Mountain.

It was 24 degrees when I left my rental car -- so I was in no danger of overheating! -- but I'm guessing even in the summer this would be an appealing hike, as it travels through forested areas most of the way, and I imagine would be a fairly shady trail even in the heat of the day.

It was dark this morning when I started, but I snapped a few photos on the way down, after the sun had mostly come up. Enjoy -- and see you on the trail!

At the top! Santa Fe stretches out below.

Another scenic overlook on the way down.