By far one of the best aspects of Albuquerque is the proximity of the Sandia Mountains and its foothills. Hiking trails in the foothills are basically reachable in 10 to 30 minutes, depending upon where one starts from in the city. Although it is VERY dry here, and most everywhere you look you see brown and dried out vegetation, there are exceptions! There is the pale green of cacti (which one has to be extremely wary of on the trails, I must confess! I got "stuck" with cactus spines a few times!). There is the contrast of the sky with ever-changing clouds, along with earth tones of the land. True, the predominant barrenness takes some getting used to as a Californian, but this area of New Mexico has its own particular beauty.
More interesting still is when one goes up higher, into the Sandia Mountains proper, where there actually is an abundance of evergreens, mixed with low-lying cacti! Strange indeed, and rather wonderful.
I did not take many photos... I never reached any particularly captivating vistas up in the mountains. Suffice it to say, however, that in the month I have been here now, I have enjoyed several, gratifying hikes... some in the local foothills, and two up in the evergreens. In short, I could get used to this! I have definitely been appreciating this particular aspect of Albuquerque.
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| Looking back toward the city--situated in the valley below--as I ascend a rocky trail high up into the foothills. |
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| I was not sure who was more surprised: me or the lovely family of deer I stumbled upon as I climbed! |
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| The view of these lovely mountains can be seen from virtually anywhere in town... and the locals frequently give directions based on orienting toward them. (They line the eastern side of Albuquerque.) |
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| This was an especially fine climb, high up into the foothills, on the "Pinot" trail. Unfortunately, my new friend Sidni and I were forced to turn back before reaching the crest, owing to dangerous patches of ice on the trail. |
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