Aspen Vista Trail (Santa Fe)

This is the most popular trail in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This trail leads to Tesuque Peak. Round trip to Tesuque Peak is 12 miles. The well-marked trailhead is located on Artist Road #475, about 13 miles from Santa Fe downtown. The trail is extremely popular in Fall (particularly in end of September and early October) when the aspen trees have golden yellow colored leaves. The trail has a gradual gradient up for the first 2.5 miles during which you get spectacular views of the aspen forests and panoramic views of Santa Fe at some points. After 2.5 miles, the trail is steep and goes through pine and spruce forests.

Length: 12 miles
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation change: 2,200 ft
Starting elevation: Approximately 10,000 ft

The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and variable. Please be prepared with good hiking boots, layers of clothing, plenty of water, sunscreen, rain gear, and lunch/snacks.

Directions: Follow Paseo de Peralta to Washington Ave on the North end of Paseo de Peralta. Turn away from the plaza heading north on Washington Avenue to artist rd (ski Basin rd). Follow the Ski Basin Rd. 13 miles. Access this trail from Aspen Vista Picnic Area, just beyond the 13 mile marker. Ample parking is available. Restrooms are available at Aspen Vista Picnic Area.

We will meetup in Albuquerque and carpool to the trail head. For interested parties, we will visit a local restaurant in Santa Fe before heading back to Albuquerque.

Contact Norm on the organizers list for more information.