Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Atalaya Trail

    4.7 (15 reviews)

    Atalaya Trail Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Atalaya Trail

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Ryan M.

    My father and I stumbled upon this gorgeous trail the last time we visited Santa Fe, my second favorite city in America (San Antonio being the first, of course). I can't quite recall its location (I'm directionally challenged and require a GPS to locate my underwear...even when I'm wearing underwear), but I know it's on the outskirts of town near a residential neighborhood. If you're interested, simply queue up Google Maps and enter "Atalaya Trail." As we pulled into the parking lot, we were perturbed to see a bunch of signs reading, "High vehicle break-in area! Park at your own risk!," but all of our valuables (i.e., the dozens of DEVO CDs to which I subject my father) were back at the hotel, so we took a calculated risk and embarked on the hike. Like practically every square inch of Santa Fe, the trail is beautiful, with dozens of scenic overlooks and dense foliage (pictures attached). We spotted several deer and lots of cute little black squirrels, one of whom seemed particularly smitten with me. Perhaps he was my spirit animal, or maybe I reeked of cashew butter. I'd hoped to capture a few pictures of the wildlife, but the critters proved uncooperative. Several reviewers have noted that sections of the trail are very steep, but my father and I had little difficulty ascending the mountain. I should note, however, that the air in Santa Fe is noticeably thinner than the air in San Antonio, so be prepared to give your lungs a workout if you're unaccustomed to higher altitudes. I'm in excellent shape, but even I felt out of breath at times. A couple of local kids were practically running up the mountain (probably showing off), but I didn't let them spoil my fun. I just moved to the side, bid them "good morning," and hoped to see them get eviscerated by a mountain lion. Atalaya Trail is just one of several breathtaking (literally and figuratively) hiking areas in Santa Fe, but it's arguably our favorite so far. It's a perfect excuse to enjoy the outdoors and work up an appetite for a five-star dining experience at Geronimo or The Compound (review coming soon).

    Eric B.

    What a trail! I am an avid hiker and had done some research on the Santa Fe area looking for one of the most challenging hikes in the area, and Atalaya certainly fit the bill. Clocking in at just under 7 miles roundtrip and approx. 2000 ft of elevation gain, this one is not for beginners. The initial mile or so is fairly flat as you weave your way through a dirt path by St. John's College and some homes. Once you cross the street and go in between the fence though, that's the part where you know it's on for the incline. As you make your way up the mountain, you will see a fork for a steeper route vs. an easier route. I've heard the easier route is longer so if you have the stamina I'd go with the former (and it's not THAT bad compared to other hikes I've done in my state of AZ). Getting to the top after numerous switchbacks and gazing out onto Santa Fe at 9,120 feet truly feels like an accomplishment, and the view a great reward. There was a forest fire whose smoke blocked a lot of the surrounding mountains from coming into view but the scenery of Santa Fe was still breathtaking. The way back down is obviously quicker but watch your knees as it can get pretty steep! Please pack in what you pack out to keep it clean for everyone else to enjoy, and most of all have a great time!

    Elizabeth A.

    Excellent views at the top, you just have to make it. :) It gets STEEP. Hiking poles will go along way. Also make sure to have a snack and water, because you will exert yourself. If you only do the first part and stop at the road above, it can be a nice more leisurely hike. It goes up, but not quite so dramatically. Many people out with dogs on the bottom half, as well as quite a few mountain bikers. The trail can be kind of tight, so keep your eyes and ears out.

    See all

    3 years ago

    Helpful 41
    Thanks 1
    Love this 42
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Scott L.
    222
    1706
    5929

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ryan M.
    1793
    342
    6892

    8 years ago

    Helpful 18
    Thanks 0
    Love this 15
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eric B.
    892
    543
    1029

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Travis A.
    172
    10
    1

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan H.
    36
    38
    15

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Atalaya Trail

    Review Highlights - Atalaya Trail

    The parking lot near after entry for St John's college is the largest and furthest away.

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 464 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Picacho Peak

    Picacho Peak

    (6 reviews)

    The views are so worth the sweat! Trails aren't well marked at trailhead, but gets better as you go…read morealong. Moderate to hard effort and you need to pack ample water. Highly recommend this beautiful hike.

    A challenging hike, but absolutely worth it!…read more When we went, the parking area had some construction going on, but it was still usable. There are several trails that start from the lot, so it will be used. The construction seems to be to connect this trailhead area to the nearby nature preserve society buildings and educational area. Which, by the way, is the closest restroom facilities. For those that need it... The trail is pretty easy to follow, though at the beginning, I was checking the photo I took of the trails and the AllTrails map. There were a couple confusing and unmarked on maps forks, or small dry creek beds or other areas that look like possible trails. And since part of the Picacho Peak trail is along or in a dry creek bed...it can be a little confusing. But once past that, the trails are pretty clear and well marked. It is challenging. It is in a higher elevation than I am generally used to, and even higher again from Albuquerque. And then you are climbing up a dang mountain. Take your time if you need to, bring more water than you think you'll need, bring snacks for energy at the top of the mountain. And enjoy!! The trail was neat and pretty well-maintained. The views are wonderful! And the other folks who will also make this trek are friendly and kind. Very glad we did it!

    Chamisa Trailhead - Pretty strenuous hike, but phenomenal views!

    Chamisa Trailhead

    (3 reviews)

    Beautiful cool and shaded. What? Not good enough? Ok, most of Chamisa is nice soft dirt walking,…read moreTenderfoot! Easy to spot this trail head on left of road after crossing into the National Park from Santa Fe.

    We need to have a talk, my Santa Fean Yelp brethren. You undervalue the James Beard-awarded fine…read moredining destination pumping lifeblood into your celebrated art district*. You ignore the historic (and haunted) cemetery where many of your most prominent ancestors rest (or *don't* rest, if my investigation is any indication)**. Worst of all, you apparently have no knowledge of the scenic trail just a few miles northeast of town. Fortunately for you, the dapper, mysterious Ryan M. from San Antonio is here not only to berate but to educate. My father and I were so taken with the Chamisa Trail that I added it to Yelp Santa Fe's business listings. The Chamisa Trailhead is located somewhere between mile markers seven and eight on Hyde Park Rd. Signage is minimal, which might explain the trail's relative obscurity to tourists and locals. When you arrive, you'll notice two paths, neither of which is labeled. The path on the right is apparently the more difficult of the two, a fact my father and I learned the hard way. It was a challenge at times but nothing too strenuous. If you're a girly man (or a LaVeyan Satanist who takes things too literally), then the "left-hand path" would probably be the better option. Both paths begin and end at the parking area, though, so don't worry about getting lost. The word "chamisa" refers to the rubber rabbitbrush that grows wild throughout Santa Fe and parts of the western United States. I could pretend to be a well-traveled authority on ericameria nauseosa, but that would be mendacious of me. No, I learned much about the rabbitbrush from a chatty server at Café Pasqual's, the best place for breakfast in Santa Fe. He informed me that many folks suffer a violent allergic reaction to chamisa, which might explain the Latin prefix "nauseo" in "nauseosa." Thankfully, my father and I suffered no ill effects throughout our three-mile hike. Ironically, I recall seeing very little (if any) chamisa brush on the trail. As I attempt to describe the unmolested beauty of this semi-secluded trail, I find myself resorting to adjectives such as "gorgeous," "scenic," "spectacular," and "peaceful." The Chamisa Trail is indeed all of these and more. Every turn reveals something new: a millennia-old rock formation, an aspen with trembling yellow leaves, a ground squirrel foraging for food. Not once did my father and I hear the sound of a car engine, an airplane, or any semblance of modern life. We had the trail practically to ourselves the entire time, which emphasized the sense of isolation. As I mentioned earlier, the path on the right is definitely the more difficult of the two. If you choose this path, expect a steep, mostly uphill hike with many switchbacks and drop-offs. The most challenging moment of the hike, however, occurred towards the end when we were declining. The section in question was steep and rocky. Had we attempted to navigate it on foot, we probably would have fallen and broken our necks. After some deliberation, we decided to sit and slide down until we reached the bottom. Our exfoliated butt cheeks paid the price, but at least we lived to tell the tale. The mystic charm of Santa Fe is apparent in its art, architecture, cuisine, and the untouched beauty of Hyde State Park, the home of Chamisa Trailhead. Whether you're a local (in which case, shame on you again for neglecting your Yelper duties) or a visitor, then please consider spending an afternoon hiking the Chamisa Trail. You'll appreciate its many gifts and work up an appetite for a world-class meal at either Geronimo or The Compound. *See my review of The Compound: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-compound-santa-fe?hrid=CL8YFxAUxslYbtKsF28oKw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) **See my review of Fairview Cemetery: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fairview-cemetery-santa-fe?hrid=1kYzceD5CpAKFiqUDxapbw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

    Hillside Park - Cross of the Martyr's

    Hillside Park

    (5 reviews)

    Hillside Park offers great views of Santa Fe, as well as provides historical information about New…read moreMexico and Santa Fe. It's accessible, close to the city centre and the paved walkway makes it easy for all to enjoy. We visited Hillside Park, as it was recommended by a local. It's not a very long or steep walk at all. The walkway is paved with railings and a few steps. Once at the top you can see the Cross of the Martyrs and views of Santa Fe. That's in itself a reason to visit. But what I liked most about Hillside Park is the historical plaques along the walkway, detailing the founding of Santa Fe from its first settlers to when it became a part of the United States and New Mexico today. It is also the historic sight of Fort Marcy, a military reservation in the mid-1800's when U.S. declared war on Mexico. With this trail you can see more informational signs about the war and fort. I would definitely recommend for visitors in Santa Fe to check out Hillside Park, not only for its city views but to learn about the city's history and its significance in the U.S. So glad we came here!

    Overlook park to get a view of the city and get some steps. The gate and railing separate Fort…read moreMarcy Park at the top from this park and cross partially funded by the Catholic Church to recognize the 21 Franciscan priests and friars killed in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 led by Popé (not the Pope), according to a plaque. There are visible signs of consternation on some of the plaques that this recently built park makes no mention of the atrocities that lead to the uprising. Nonetheless, I found the one sided history laid out in the plaques to be educational because it made me look up people and the events.

    Atalaya Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...