With an impending departure from Santa Fe looming, we wanted to get in one more experience: a hike. We had considered the challenging Picacho Peak and the easy Hondo Arroyo, but we opted for a middle option.
Sun Mountain Trail is listed as a 1.6-mile round trip hike that is still challenging–a function of its 734 feet elevation gain.
And from what we’ve read, the hike offers impressive views from the top of the trail.
The hike begins in a semi-residential area, and it soon grows steep.
For Texans such as ourselves, the thin air is a challenge. Denver may be famous as the “mile-high” city, but Santa Fe is a 1.4 miles above sea level. Houston, by comparison, is about 50 feet above sea level, so between the exertion and the thin air, we were breathing heavy.
Stopping for breath had other virtues.
The trail wends its way up the mountain, offering periodic views of the community below, the mountains on the horizon, and the snow that had recently blanketed the area.
As you approach the top, you go through a series of switchbacks which can be difficult, but which offer even better views.
As you might imagine, it’s windy at the top, but it’s beautiful, especially at sunset.
It was cold, but we stayed in the wind and cold so we could see the sun drop below the horizon, soak in the blue hour, and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. For Cinthia and Olivia, this was the highest elevation ever reach: 7,920 feet.
It was, we decided, a great vantage point from which to say au revoir to Santa Fe, knowing we will be back one day.
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