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

Attempt to Nambe Lake

Today, started out as a beautiful day. We headed up to the Santa Fe Ski basin to hike to Nambe Lake. The beginning of the hike was beautiful. Everything is so green from the monsoon rains, and there truly is something serene and peaceful just by being in the mountain forest.

This hike begins on the Winsor Trail trailhead at the Santa Fe Ski basin. After about 2-3 miles, the Nambe Lake trail forks off to the right. Here you begin climbing up a side mountain canyon to reach the lake.

After a steep climb up the canyon, we reached the first open mountain meadow and enjoyed running freely through the grass. There is such a sense of freedom being up in the mountains.

However, as soon as we reached the open meadow, the weather began to turn. The sky looked like we were in for an early monsoon storm. As soon as the sky darkened and we heard thunder in the distance, we began our descent. Just look at this ominous sky!

We made our way back down as quickly as we could, but still got caught in a hail storm! The rain and hail was too small for big sis to pay any mind, but luckily for me, my human mama carried me down and helped cover my head from the hail pellets. 

This is one of the unfortunate aspects of hiking in the mountains - especially with how quickly weather can turn at higher elevations. But this is also all part of the adventure. I'm just glad I had my humans to look after me. 

We didn't make it to the lake that day, but there is always next time. Sometimes it's not about the destination, but the journey getting there. 

-Rosie

Hike to Santa Fe Baldy

Most of the snow has melted in the high mountains, so it is time for our first summit hike of the season! This will be little sis's first summit hike, so we are ready for her backpack ride and have lots of extra water for her.

Santa Fe Baldy is the highest point in Santa Fe, rising to 12,361 feet. We took the Winsor Trail from the Santa Fe Ski basin up to the summit - around 14 miles round trip. We started at the trail head early in the morning - everything was so still and moist from the night before, with the sunlight just slowly beginning to stream in through the trees to warm the earth. We had the most stunning day and sunny weather for the hike.

One thing I love about this hike is following this bubbling mountain stream. I can take many stops to cool off and hydrate at the stream before continuing on up the mountain. Nothing like fresh mountain stream water!

Here you can see the top of Santa Fe Baldy - where we are headed. We still have a ways to go!

I was so proud of my lil sis! She made it all the way to the saddle - around 7 miles - before needing to ride in the backpack for the final ascent. She truly is a trooper and is turning into a great little hiker. Just think how many steps she needs to take with her tiny, little legs!

Now for the summit! The final summit ascend of Santa Fe Baldy is challenging. In about 1 mile, you cover almost 2,000 feet in elevation gain. Wooooo! What a hike! But just look at the stunning views! It's totally worth it.

Looking down at our route coming up.

Looking down on Lake Katherine. 

And finally the top! Here's our family portrait at the peak. 

Happy Trails, Happy Tails!

-Roxie