Atalaya Trail is a very serviceable and enjoyable trail.  It's just the right length for an…read moreafternoon (or morning) hike, and it offers just enough elevation gain that you won't be bored by the level of endeavor required.  That said, apart from the views you'll be rewarded with when you're here, there's not a whole lot else of interest to see during your visit. Tip: This is a popular destination for both hikers and cyclists; both of the aforementioned need to keep their eyes peeled for their opposite numbers; hikers especially need to exercise caution to avoid being hit by oblivious cyclists. I've been here several times recently, and very much enjoy myself each time.  I've found that the views (especially from the top) are very rewarding.  Because it's very easily accessible from all over the area, the trail can sometimes get very crowded; it's best to visit either in the early morning or at off-peak hours to optimize avoid the crowds. The trail winds through the Cruz Blanca neighborhood before rapidly ascending up the side of Atalaya Mountain; it eventually reaches a height of just over nine thousand feet.  While the final stretch is quite gravelly and steep, the views from the top are totally worth it!

Part of the Dale Ball trail system, that include the Dorothy Stewart and Wilderness Trailheads. The…read moreparking lot near after entry for St John's college is the largest and furthest away. Drive up Camino Cruz Blanca and save yourself the 1.5 walk along the road past $1MM homes to these other trailheads. As with everything Dale Ball creates, this is a superbly marked trail system that allows the hiker to plan and tailor their experience. I made a bee-line to the summit of Mt. Picacho. Beautiful vista, but I'll need to return for a sunset and very carefully make my way down the steeper parts of a darkening trail.

Beautiful cool and shaded. What? Not good enough? Ok, most of Chamisa is nice soft dirt walking,…read moreTenderfoot! Easy to spot this trail head on left of road after crossing into the National Park from Santa Fe.

We need to have a talk, my Santa Fean Yelp brethren. You undervalue the James Beard-awarded fine…read moredining destination pumping lifeblood into your celebrated art district*. You ignore the historic (and haunted) cemetery where many of your most prominent ancestors rest (or *don't* rest, if my investigation is any indication)**. Worst of all, you apparently have no knowledge of the scenic trail just a few miles northeast of town. Fortunately for you, the dapper, mysterious Ryan M. from San Antonio is here not only to berate but to educate. My father and I were so taken with the Chamisa Trail that I added it to Yelp Santa Fe's business listings. The Chamisa Trailhead is located somewhere between mile markers seven and eight on Hyde Park Rd. Signage is minimal, which might explain the trail's relative obscurity to tourists and locals. When you arrive, you'll notice two paths, neither of which is labeled. The path on the right is apparently the more difficult of the two, a fact my father and I learned the hard way. It was a challenge at times but nothing too strenuous. If you're a girly man (or a LaVeyan Satanist who takes things too literally), then the "left-hand path" would probably be the better option. Both paths begin and end at the parking area, though, so don't worry about getting lost. The word "chamisa" refers to the rubber rabbitbrush that grows wild throughout Santa Fe and parts of the western United States. I could pretend to be a well-traveled authority on ericameria nauseosa, but that would be mendacious of me. No, I learned much about the rabbitbrush from a chatty server at Café Pasqual's, the best place for breakfast in Santa Fe. He informed me that many folks suffer a violent allergic reaction to chamisa, which might explain the Latin prefix "nauseo" in "nauseosa." Thankfully, my father and I suffered no ill effects throughout our three-mile hike. Ironically, I recall seeing very little (if any) chamisa brush on the trail. As I attempt to describe the unmolested beauty of this semi-secluded trail, I find myself resorting to adjectives such as "gorgeous," "scenic," "spectacular," and "peaceful." The Chamisa Trail is indeed all of these and more. Every turn reveals something new: a millennia-old rock formation, an aspen with trembling yellow leaves, a ground squirrel foraging for food. Not once did my father and I hear the sound of a car engine, an airplane, or any semblance of modern life. We had the trail practically to ourselves the entire time, which emphasized the sense of isolation. As I mentioned earlier, the path on the right is definitely the more difficult of the two. If you choose this path, expect a steep, mostly uphill hike with many switchbacks and drop-offs. The most challenging moment of the hike, however, occurred towards the end when we were declining. The section in question was steep and rocky. Had we attempted to navigate it on foot, we probably would have fallen and broken our necks. After some deliberation, we decided to sit and slide down until we reached the bottom. Our exfoliated butt cheeks paid the price, but at least we lived to tell the tale. The mystic charm of Santa Fe is apparent in its art, architecture, cuisine, and the untouched beauty of Hyde State Park, the home of Chamisa Trailhead. Whether you're a local (in which case, shame on you again for neglecting your Yelper duties) or a visitor, then please consider spending an afternoon hiking the Chamisa Trail. You'll appreciate its many gifts and work up an appetite for a world-class meal at either Geronimo or The Compound. *See my review of The Compound: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-compound-santa-fe?hrid=CL8YFxAUxslYbtKsF28oKw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) **See my review of Fairview Cemetery: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fairview-cemetery-santa-fe?hrid=1kYzceD5CpAKFiqUDxapbw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Beautiful trail with great views. A little rocky in some areas but a good incline overall and nice…read moreoption for a hike or trail run. It is in a residential area and the only parking is right in front of the trailhead with room for about 4 cars. We got lucky and the 4th spot was available when we arrived! Worth a visit! Near downtown so an easy trail for visitors staying at hotels to check out!

The trailhead for this beautiful and easy 1.9-mile loop hike is about 3/4 miles above St. John's…read moreCollege on Santa Fe's eastside. The trail affords great views of the north end of Santa Fe and the Jemez Mountains. There are frequently lizards and horned toads along the trail edges. Although the trailhead parking lot is small (4 cars), there is roadside parking near St. John's College.

We spent the afternoon exploring the Santa Fe Canyon Preserve, and it was absolutely beautiful. The…read moremain 1.5-mile loop is easy, quiet, and full of character -- cottonwoods, old reservoir ruins, and a nice mix of sun and shade. It's amazing how peaceful it feels being just a few minutes from town. We also took a short side hike on the Dale Ball Trail System, which connects nearby. The views opened up fast -- rolling foothills, crisp mountain air, and wide open blue skies. Perfect mix of short-and-scenic without feeling rushed. Highly recommend this combo if you want something relaxing but still photo-worthy. Bring water, take your time, and enjoy the calm New Mexico landscape before heading back into Santa Fe.

Nice little hike along the ruins of the old Santa Fe Reservoir. Signs with old photos give…read morehistorical and ecological perspectives. Nice lush scenery along the Santa Fe "River," usually a steam. Some wonderful cool hidden benches for the romantically inclined. No dogs or bikes. Trailhead across from Audubon sign is not easy to find.

Hillside Park offers great views of Santa Fe, as well as provides historical information about New…read moreMexico and Santa Fe. It's accessible, close to the city centre and the paved walkway makes it easy for all to enjoy. We visited Hillside Park, as it was recommended by a local. It's not a very long or steep walk at all. The walkway is paved with railings and a few steps. Once at the top you can see the Cross of the Martyrs and views of Santa Fe. That's in itself a reason to visit. But what I liked most about Hillside Park is the historical plaques along the walkway, detailing the founding of Santa Fe from its first settlers to when it became a part of the United States and New Mexico today. It is also the historic sight of Fort Marcy, a military reservation in the mid-1800's when U.S. declared war on Mexico. With this trail you can see more informational signs about the war and fort. I would definitely recommend for visitors in Santa Fe to check out Hillside Park, not only for its city views but to learn about the city's history and its significance in the U.S. So glad we came here!

Overlook park to get a view of the city and get some steps. The gate and railing separate Fort…read moreMarcy Park at the top from this park and cross partially funded by the Catholic Church to recognize the 21 Franciscan priests and friars killed in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 led by Popé (not the Pope), according to a plaque. There are visible signs of consternation on some of the plaques that this recently built park makes no mention of the atrocities that lead to the uprising. Nonetheless, I found the one sided history laid out in the plaques to be educational because it made me look up people and the events.

I love the rail trail in SFe because it is my favorite place to be sometimes, like walking with an…read moreold friend. I don't know where it starts and I don't know where it ends, and I really don't want to know either. I just get on from my hood in the Beverly Hills Barrio and I walk or ride in whichever direction I'm drawn towards that day and time. I have ridden all the way to Target one day, and the other past Rabbit road and beyond onto a dirt path. Other times I have ridden past the railyard and up Canyon road to the Audubon center. I can't say enough good things about urban paths that are ped and cycle friendly and I'm so glad that so many towns and cities have them. Keep it up America! Joy

This trail is a work of art. For being in a desert, the city has done a great job landscaping and…read morecultivating a little greenery. In some ways, it reminds me of the many parks/trails in Seattle that I desperately miss (just bluer skies here). It's a great place to go for a run, bike or bring the kiddos. There is ample places to stop for a brief sit, picnic or good book read. And located next to the Farmer's market, the Rail Trail will make a great addition to your weekend mornings.

This park is rustic and full of hiking trails. Beautiful views throughout. I am a ham radio…read moreoperator and set up a portable station in the park which was a lot of fun. There are a fair number of horseback riders in the park. The cell service is not good in the park so get a map of the trail system .

Don't overlook this gem…read more An easy drive from either Santa Fe or Albuquerque - and a really sensible stop for a couple hours of activity in between. Several trails that offer gorgeous views and interesting historical pauses (lots of 19th C mining stuff - and this is where the Aztec turquoise came from!) for moderately fit hikers (bear in mind that elevation gains are part of this, so if you're coming from sea level realize that the walks might require some pauses to catch breath). It would be a great place to bring active kids to let them run off some steam - you can't get a lot more Wild West than this park. The drive in is over well-maintained gravel roads (drive slow - folks in town have wandering dogs - the amusing sign says, "Old dog; Young dog; Several stupid dogs; Please drive slowly.") with a $5 put-your-money-in-the-envelope/put-the-envelope-in-the-post/put-the-permit-on-your-windshield payment required. Lots of sensible parking. Trail maps available - you'll want to take one or download the trails from AllTrails or something, because you are going to lose signal up there (although it's just about impossible to get lost). You will see the Sangre de Cristos, Jemez, Sandia and Ortíz mountain ranges as well as Mt. Taylor (Tsodzill) on your walk, which you can easily tailor to make as long or short as you want. In my experience, state parks are often overlooked by people who seek out the big national ones. It would be a mistake to pass by Cerrillos Hills State Park - it hits way above its weight class.

In the July heat, I could hear the birds more than I could see them but it was still fun to take…read morethe short trail hikes and use the Merlin app (https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/) to figure out what birds we were hearing. Closer to the center you'll have a chance to see the birds that visit the hanging bird feeders and you can stroll the garden that has labelled flowers and plants. The docent led tour of the Randall Davey house and studio is interesting if you are there on a Friday and is a great way to support the Center.

I had a lovely visit to this free (I know, free!!) Center and really enjoyed the short hike and…read moreviews. A good spot to visit if you have some time to kill or are with kids and want a easy and super short hike.