Atalaya Mountain Trail is a 6.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Santa Fe, New Mexico that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This is a short day hike from St. Johns College trail head east side of the city of Santa Fe, NM into the edge of the Santa Fe National forest.
St. John's College
New Mexico Department of Tourism, Lamy Building, 491 Old Santa Fe Trail , Santa Fe, NM, 87503, Phone: 505-827-7400
Directions from St. John's College, Santa Fe: Access from Parking area
January 17, 2021Beautiful trail steep at the end not much snow on January 17
January 17, 2021Lovely trail! Lots of people walking it (many with their dogs ). The elevation gain is no joke, but the views at the top are worth it.
January 17, 2021Beautiful hiking path. Well maintained with signs clearly marking path. Saturday so busy day, mostly hikers, half had dogs, but mountain bikers as well. Nice size parking lot at beginning of trail.
January 14, 2021Gorgeous trail and views, makes New Mexican somehow taste better afterwards!
January 12, 2021I walked from the center of town to the trail approx 3 miles about an hour, great way to see town and go for a hike. The hike itself was switch backs easy. There was a bit of snow and ice on trail but I did it without spikes no problem. I took the steep way up and the easy way down. I steep way up was packed with snow and wasn’t that steep the east way up was not I would recommended taking east route to avoid slipping and the views were just as nice if not better.
January 10, 2021great views big crowds.
January 10, 2021This recording is for a Sun/Moon combo hike that leaves from St. John's College. Total distance is just short of 4 miles with a total elevation gain of about 1100 ft. This takes you up the back side of Sun Mountain which is far more interesting than the front side off of the Old Santa Fe Trail road. Plus, there is a huge parking lot at St. Johns for the Atalaya trailhead. With this you climb through some very interesting boulders and there are way less people on this route. The 2nd part of the hike up Moon Mountain is much steeper and has some icy spots, especially in the lower 1/2 where the trail is shaded. I recommend wearing studs pretty much from St. Johns to mid mountain, especially on the way down Moon Mountain. This was a very nice way to spend 2 1/2 hours. The views at the top of both are very nice.
January 10, 2021January 9, 2021This was a clearly marked trail so it’s easy to find your way. It is quite steep and for me it was a challenge but the views at the top were worth it. I will definitely plan to do this trail again. Some packed snow and ice made it a little tricky but as long as you keep a steady and slow pace you’ll be fine.. Another perk is that you never even have to leave town to get to this trail and see the mamazing views.
January 4, 2021January 4, 2021January 1, 2021December 31, 2020Gorgeous day- slippery snow in some parts but manageable with good shoes.
December 28, 2020Legit
December 27, 2020Great trail for an urban area. Close to city and easy to get to and park. Trail was icy in some parts. You could do it without spikes but wouldn’t recommend it. If you have em, wear em.
December 27, 2020Busy today with lots of hikers and dogs. Great weather but about half the trail was icy or snow-covered. We used crampons and but saw majority of people just wore regular hiking boots or even sneakers. Great views at the top, excellent winter hike.
December 27, 2020Excellent hike, great views throughout, and the lookout at the summit is definitely worth it - so much more expansive. 9.5 miles based on my Fitbit reading. We took the recommendation of other reviewers and went with the steep path up and easy path down. Pretty sure that the easy path takes a side route, which adds some distance to the overall hike. It’s fairly icy right now, a lot of people were using poles - we didn’t bring any which slowed me down at some parts on the way down. We started at around 12pm on a Saturday, wrapping-up by 4:30pm or so, and although the parking lot had room, I’d consider this a crowded trail, likely saw 30-40+ people throughout, and just about everyone wore a mask. Would love to do this one again in the Spring.
December 24, 2020December 20, 2020Beautiful trail, the final ascent can be icy/slippery, especially on the way down (Dec 20, 2020)
December 13, 2020What an incredible hike! I did it with some fresh pow-pow on the trail and that made it pretty tough. Great view at the top! I was lucky to run into someone who lives in Santa Fe, and she kinda guided through it. I was expecting this to be a recovery hike...not so much. With cutting the trail short, my round trip mileage was 5.1. Def not what is advertised.
December 5, 2020Views at the top are SO worth it! A large portion of the trial was still snowy, I took the steeper route and felt it was fine with snow (accidentally went off trail for a bit). Lots of hikers today, everyone in masks and respectful!
November 28, 2020It's beautiful out there!! I wish I had given myself more time to do the entire trail. It's worth the stop.
November 27, 2020Snow slowed me down but I love this trail!
November 25, 2020Pretty quick - we caught the first real snow storm and it was easy to get up and down - no crampons or ice gear needed.
November 23, 2020Truly beautiful! Steep hiking if coming from the Picacho Peak Trail but well worth it. So beautiful only added another mile if coming from Picacho. Last 0.6 miles most strenuous. Path well marked.
November 22, 2020November 19, 2020This is a wonderful hike. It took us 2 hours to the top with several stops for photography. Once on top the view is extraordinary. Early on you can decide if you want to go the steeper route or easier route. Up we took steeper route and down the easier route. Next time we will do the steeper up and down. Ist is way shorter and not that steep. This hike will see us again :)
