Lobo Peak

For the holiday weekend, we headed up to Taos to hike Lobo Peak. We chose the Manzanita Trail which is only 5 miles to the peak but is the steepest trail in the canyon. Portions of the trail climb at a 45-degree grade, as the trail carves straight up the mountain. The elevation gain from the trailhead to the peak is almost 4,000 ft, so lil sis stayed home with her human grandpawrents.

Just look at that little pouting face! Next time, lil sis!

The morning we headed up the trail was cool and overcasted - my favorite hiking weather! The clouds were rolling past us, providing shade from the sun, but never threatened rain or thunder, so we hiked onwards to the peak.

This summer monsoon rains have brought wonder to the mountains - the forest is so fresh and lush! Some of the trees, especially the aspens, are just beginning to turn golden, while the rest of forest woodlands hold every color of green imaginable. The beginning of the hike was just stunning, and such a happy place for my nose to take in all the wonderful smells of the forest ground. 

The beginning of the trail also follows along the Rio Hondo, as it winds its way down the mountain. The stream was fresh and crisp and contains lots of tiny minnows. There's nothing like playing in the cool mountain stream water and getting super muddy!

Hey, little fishy, where'd you go?!

After enjoying the gradual trail climbing slowly beside the stream, we began the steep climb to the mountaintop. Here the terrain and forest timber began to change to high mountain alpine. The trail became more rocky, and we began to climb high above the mountain stream. The climb was challenging but nothing my legs can't handle! Plus, there were so many wonderful smells...

Squirrel!... and lots of exciting critters to chase.

Any lizards up here in the rock field? I had to scout it out! 

As we continued to climb, the course of our trail became more clear as the trail climbed above the pine trees. Below is our first view of our destination: Lobo Peak. It may not look it, but we still have a ways to go with a steep final ascent!

But the rocky, steep trail is nothing my power legs can't manage! I had to travel back down the trail and check on my human pawrents a few times to make sure they were coming. Sometimes two-legged animals travel so slow!

Slowly, but surely, we made our way to the final ascent with the top of the peak in view.

And then, we made it to the peak! 12,155 feet! Woof, woof!

The views from the peak were breathtaking and totally worth the challenging hike. The clouds were blowing past us so quickly, it was like we were in the sky, on top of the world. From the peak, we could see down into Taos Ski Valley, the town of Taos, and also into Red River valley. 

After enjoying the views and a job well done, we began our descent. 

What a beautiful hike - just look at those colors!

Arfie, arfie!

-Roxie

What a wonderful summer we've had!

Cave Creek

Today, we headed up to the Pecos to explore the caves along the Cave Creek Trail. The Pecos Wilderness is such a lush and beautiful mountain forest - who knew New Mexico could be so green! This has been my favorite hike of the summer. The weather was cool with a slight drizzle as we followed the trail winding through the forest beside the mountain creek. Plus, the caves were super cool!

We began our hike at the Panchuela Campground and followed the Cave Creek Trail to the caves.

Every chance I had, I made a stop by the creek to enjoy the water. I love the sound of running water, and dipping my paws in the cool water. 

Plus, the forest grass feels amazing. This is the life!

Does this pose make me look majestic? 

Our first glimpse of the caves!

Here the creek forks and drains into the caves.

The inside the caves was very slippery from the creek flowing through. We just peaked in from the entrance to catch a glimpse. 

Crossing the log bridge like a champ! Arfie Arfie!

On our way back to the campground, we took one last dip in the creek for a drink. 

The forest here is magnificent! We will definitely be coming back to explore more of the Pecos Wilderness.

-Rosie

Wheeler Peak

For our next summit hike, we tackled Wheeler Peak - the highest point in New Mexico at 13,161 feet. Unfortunately, Colorado was stingy and took all of the 14ers. However, New Mexico still has a number of stunning 13ers, and let me tell you, you still feel like you're on top of the world at 13,000 feet!

We took the Bull of the Woods trail up to the summit and came down above William's Lake - so I could go for a quick swim and cool off at the end of our hike. For this hike, we also left lil sis with her human grandparents. She's turning into quite the little hiker, but this would have been a bit too much for her little legs.

The beginning of the trail was so lush and serene. Many folks don't realize how green New Mexico can be until they climb into the mountain valleys. One of my favorite terrains in the world!

Ah, this is glorious! I love frolicking through the mountain meadows!

After a strenuous upward climb, we reached the tree line and began traversing over to Wheeler Peak. Wheeler Peak is formerly known as Taos Peak. It was renamed in 1950 in honor of George Montague Wheeler (1842-1905) who for ten years led parties of surveyors and naturalists collecting geologic, biologic, planimetric and topographical data in New Mexico and throughout the southwest. 

The views from up here were incredible!

Looking down into Taos Ski Valley. 

I had a blast exploring the terrain and running through the open mountain fields. Can you spot me?

View of Horseshoe Lake looking towards Red River. 

We reached the top! At this point, we were the highest ones standing at 13,161 feet in New Mexico! Woof woof!

My human mama and I had to dance in celebration! 

The ground smelled so fresh and so clean up here! After enjoying ourselves and the perfect weather at the top, we began our descent down to William's Lake. The hike down was a bit treacherous navigating through the rock field, but we made it!  

Squirrel?!

Didn't catch the squirrel, but we saw bighorn sheep grazing on the mountainside. 

View of William's Lake. 

At last, we made it to William's Lake. It felt wonderful to cool off in the lake. 

What a pawfect hike and pawfect day!

-Roxie