We made it to Nambe Lake!

We finally completed the seven mile roundtrip hike to Nambe Lake! We tried this hike about this time last year, but were forced to turn around due to an early monsoon storm that quickly turned into lightning, thunder, and hail. This year, however, we timed our hike just right and enjoyed a cool and slightly overcast morning for the duration of our hike.

Beginning our hike down Winsor Trail with Santa Fe Baldy looming in the background.

This hike begins at the Santa Fe Ski basin. After about 2-3 miles along the Winsor Trail, the Nambe Lake trail forks off to the right. Here you begin climbing up a side mountain canyon to reach the lake, following a babbling creek the entire way. The hike is very steep in places, climbing over boulders and carving straight up the mountain canyon as the lake rested roughly 1,000 feet above the trail intersection. As you near the lake, views of granite rock-faces begin to peak through the Ponderosa pine trees. 

Rosie testing the water.

Because of our winter snow season and spring rains, the trail was unbelievably lush! Everything was so green and the wildflowers were blooming in abundance. Bright pink caught my eye right away! It was delightful to see the many different colored wildflowers from Indian paintbrush to yellow pea flowers to the pink Parry's Primrose. The colors of the mountain forests are amazing. 

After a final steep ascent, we finally made it to Nambe Lake at 11,300 feet. What a beautiful emerald green lake! The water was crystal-clear and you could easily see to the bottom. Framed against the granite mountain faces of Lake Peak and Santa Fe Baldy, the scene is incredible. The glacial valley is so pristine that I am sure many boggle at the idea of this beautiful mountain landscape existing here in New Mexico.

We spent some time exploring around the lake before heading back down and concluding our day hike. 

Little Rose did the entire hike up to the lake by herself!

Our family photo!

Happy trails, happy tails. 

-Roxie

Learning to Swim at Abiquiu Lake

Today, I finally learned how to swim! Many were skeptical about my ability to swim, being the short, stocky bulldog that I am, but today I proved them all wrong and swam at Abiquiu Lake!

My proof!

Abiquiu Lake is nestled in the Chama river valley of Northern New Mexico. The lake is one of the largest lakes in New Mexico and is formed by the Abiquiu Dam to protect the valley from flooding, as well as for irrigation control, water storage, and hydroelectric generation. The lake is a true gem in the desert landscape.

The Chama River Valley.

 The famous Cerro Pedernal, Spanish for Flint Hill, sets a beautiful backdrop for the lake. 

The lake was a bit murky from the wind stirring up the water and causing waves, but I had a blast chasing the waves along the shore. I, then, braved my way into the water, with the help of my humans, and swam by myself for the very first time!

Here's my star video!

After cooling off in the lake and after plenty of playtime in the water, we had a picnic lunch along the shore, enjoying the slight breeze and the warm sunshine. We explored the surrounding hills and relaxed to the gentle sound of the lake's waves rushing against the shore. 

Sporting my new Chaco collar!

What an adventurous day!

-Rosie

Day Hike to Hamilton Mesa

Today we headed out to Hamilton Mesa, located far into the Pecos Wilderness near Terrero, New Mexico. My pawrents have been wanting to backpack this trail, but due to conflicting weekend schedules and threatening thunderstorms, we settled for a long day hike to explore the mountain meadows of Hamilton Mesa.

Wildflowers near the Iron Gate Campground.

After a long drive through Pecos, Terrero, and then winding up the mountain towards Cowles, we arrived at the Iron Gate Campground to begin our trek. This moderate hike spans roughly 10 miles and crosses over numerous open and beautiful mountain meadows resting at about 10,000 feet with views of the Truchas peaks.

As we began our hike, we walked among the most fragrant forest of Ponderosa pine trees and aspen groves, as we crisscrossed up the mountain canyon to reach the meadows above. As much as I love the open mountain meadows, there is something so serene and peaceful being in a mountain forest.

Come on! We're almost to the meadow!

Just look at my little sister being super adorable!

We timed our hike perfectly with the spring blooms. We saw numerous wildflowers including, wild purple irises and yellow pea flowers. The aspens were vibrant chartreuse green, giving all of the valley views a beautifully lush and green hue.

After hiking about 2 miles, we reached a log fence, and here the trail opened up to the first meadow. As we climbed up the meadow trail, views from the trail opened to reveal stellar vistas of the tallest peaks in the Pecos Wilderness. 

Here we enjoyed the meadow slowly, taking in the views and breathing in the fresh mountain air. My humans let me frolic through the meadow and enjoy being my dog-self!

Taking in the view with my human!

We continued up the trail a bit to find a beautiful aspen grove and views of the Truchas peaks. My pawrents tried to take a family picture of us all, but I was too busy exploring to pose. Lil sis, on the other hand, is a huge ham and loves the camera!

 

Truchas peaks. 

After our fill of the gorgeous mountain views and playing in the meadow, we headed back down to the trailhead. We let lil sis rest her stump legs before heading back down the trail. What a beautiful spring day to explore Hamilton Mesa! 

Happy trails, happy pups!

-Roxie