Last week on Thursday, myself and 3 friends decided to ride up to Sandia Crest above 10, 600 ft elevation. Kendra and I rode this same trail last summer, but our friends Paula and Karen had never been up there, so we wanted to show them around.
This is just a day ride for us, because the Sandia Mountains are basically in our back yards. I only live about 20 minutes from the 10K Trail head.
The 10K Trail Head where we parked and began our ride.
All tacked up and I’m in the saddle while Apache enjoys a snack of grass while we wait for everyone else to get ready.
Riding across the highway and to the end of the parking lot to the beginning of the trail in the forest.
Posing for a group photo.
Kendra, Paula and Karen.
Me, Karen and Kendra
Entering the Sandia Mountain Wilderness in the Cibola National Forest.
The challenging and beautiful terrain includes hills, rocks, roots, boulder steps, low branches and ‘knee-knocker’ trees.
Lots of uphill as we climb to the top of the mountain.
It’s fun to be on a trail ride with friends who enjoy taking photos as much as you do. You never know what cool shots they’ll capture of you and your horse.
I’m so grateful for such great riding friends.
And I’m even more thankful for my awesome mountain trail horse, Apache Mare!
Heading down the trail surrounded by beautiful forest.
Some of the trail travels across steep hillsides.
And even though we’re riding up to the top of the mountain, sometimes we still ride downhill on the way up.
We always take time for our horses to rest and have a snack of grass.
We’re in such a serious drought in New Mexico. This same time last year, when we rode up here, this field was covered in green, lush grass up to my horse’s belly!
There were still some green shoots coming up, so we stopped and let our horses enjoy a snack while we all took more photos.
Paula and her handsome mule, Tecumseh.
Back into the forest we rode again.
Paula and Tecumseh posing beside another Sandia Mountain Wilderness sign.
Apache and I were caught in the act! The cookie act!
One of the rock and boulder steps we had to ride up.
I enjoy riding with my lady friends. We all enjoy being out in nature on the trails together.
Riding uphill to check out the views.
The views were awesome up there!
Riding back into the forest again.
Riding out to a ledge to enjoy some more views.
Just hangin’ out!
We’re on top of the world!!!
Just a different perspective, but still on top of the world!
Riding away from the rock ledge and back into the forest again.
Riding into the beautiful aspen forest.
Karen and her horse Rio.
There was still snow up there in the shade.
Kendra discovered another beautiful ledge with breathtaking views
Trying to capture the perfect Between the Ears photo!
And this one is pretty perfect!
This is what it must feel like to ride a Pegasus!
We’re riding the Crest Trail now….
This section of trail is spooky. It’s dark, moody, and many of the trees are covered with hanging moss.
Riding beneath the Crest House above 10, 600 ft elevation, making our way towards Kiwanis Cabin.
Riding around the gate to get back into the forest again.
Riding down a service road.
Beautiful meadow on the left, and wonderful old fence to ride between. A great big pile of snow over in the shade.
Being barefoot, Apache likes to find the least rocky path.
On our way up to Kiwanis Cabin. It’s a shame that graffiti is up here, too.
Up Next: Kiwanis Cabin and Breathtaking Vistas!
2 comments :
Rugged and awesome, as usual :)
Beautiful country!
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