[Hike] Atalaya Peak

The trailhead for Picacho Peak, which is part of the Santa Fe National Forest and reaches a height of 9,118 feet, can be found at the St. John’s College campus, a short five-minute drive east of downtown Santa Fe.

Despite the unexpected snow, we decided to hike the trail, equipped with waterproof boots and cold-weather gear.  We followed the packed trail made by other hikers and enjoyed the sunshine, but strong winds forced us to turn around at the 2.5-mile mark, resulting in a 5-mile round trip hike.

Good to Know

Distance: Official Trail: 6.2 miles out-and-back; My Version: 5 miles out-and-back

Trails: St. John’s Trail > Atalaya Trail

Elevation Gain: Official Trail:  ft; My Version: 1,388 ft

Terrain: Dirt trail turned snowed packed!

Parking: Available along the Camino de Cruz Blanca Road (right next to the trail)

Facilities: n/a

Fun Fact: Not really a ‘fun fact’ but PSA that there are designated parking spots to park along the road (with a sign to guide you). Do not park within St. John’s College. 

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