Gorgeous Day up to Tesuque Peak

Today, we all headed up to Tesuque Peak! Since this is a relatively easy to moderate hike, climbing less than 2,000 feet stretching over 12 miles round trip, my human pawrents packed my carrier and brought me along! There is nothing like being in the fresh, mountain air and enjoying the beautiful scenery for a weekend outing with my pack. 

The beginning of the hike began at the Aspen Vista Picnic Ground, and I must tell you, it is aptly named! The aspen groves at the beginning of the hike were stunning - I've never seen such a thick aspen forest before. We'll have to come back next month when the aspens peak in their bright golden color. A few aspens were turning gold, but most were still their vibrant and sharp green. My little snort nose loved their scent as we climbed up the trail. 

For the first part of the hike, we fell across a number of small, mountain streams carving their way down the mountain valley. Of course, we had to refresh at every stream and scout for little fishies! 

As we began to climb higher up the trail, again, the mountain flora began to change to higher alpine, introducing the ponderosa pine as the aspen grove thinned away. Here, we began to see beautiful vistas of Santa Fe and Tesuque. My human pawrents picked me up to show me the views - I'm too short to see over the rocks and scrubs. The views were magnificent! 

Big sis blending in with the landscape. She's such a lioness! 

My human pawrents were shocked that I made it this far by myself! Here's my scowl in response. Hrumph!

But then it was time to be carried... I have to admit, I love my little carrier! It's comfy, and I can see the trail and explore without wearing myself out too much. Plus, there's a wee hole for my tail! Just bliss! I may have snorted a bit in happiness. 

After a few more miles, while my human pawrents carried me, we made it to our destination with a panoramic view of the Santa Fe and Tesuque valleys. The sky was clear with just a few puffy clouds, and we could see for miles and miles down across the land. We explored a bit along the top, before finding a nice spot for a picnic lunch. 

 

Here we decided to stop for a little picnic. My human mama gave me a little snack while we rested before the descent back down to the trailhead. But going down is the easy part for me! I didn't have to be carried once!

Roxie began leading the way back down.

Squirrel! Do you see the wee squirrel? 

Going back down gives you a great appreciation for the beauty of the mountains here in Northern New Mexico. Again, you witness the change in the mountain flora from high alpine ponderosa pines to thick aspen groves, and in between the trees, you catch glimpses of gorgeous vistas of the mountain valley. Can I say every hike is my new favorite hike?

-Rosie

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