Sandia Mountains Ride

My friend Dana and decided we wanted to ride at Cienega Canyon again before the Forest Service started doing a tree thinning project in that area to help prevent forest fires.
So, we met at the equestrian parking area of Cienega Canyon and enjoyed a great day riding in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains.

Cienega Canyon is such a beautiful place to ride. And it's very easy to access, unlike the trailheads farther up in the Sandia Mountains.

Yes, of course, I had to capture a trail selfie of me and my awesome mare.

While out on the trail, we came across a group of children with their Mothers out for a hike along the beautiful Cienega Springs Creek.

They were all thrilled to see our horses and were eager to pet them. Our mares were very patient and kind with all of the kids.

And then we continued riding into Cienega Canyon.

A Sandia Mountain Wilderness photo of my friend and her mare.

Riding up out of Cienega Canyon towards Sulphur Canyon.

I love riding beneath the tall ponderosa trees!

Sulphur Canyon is so green and lush with beautiful tree tunnels. Once the Forest Service begins their tree thinning project, which includes controlled burns and masticating, this beautiful canyon will be changed for many years.

We stopped in Sulphur Canyon Picnic Grounds to use the restrooms.

Then we rode over the ridge into the Doc Long Picnic Grounds.

After we rode around the Cienega Canyon and Sulphur Canyon area and Doc Long Picnic Grounds, we rode across the Sandia Scenic Byway and explored another trail. 

My friend Dana and her lovely Arab mare.

Apache and I see a trail obstacle up ahead....a fallen tree to step over.

The sky grew cloudy and we could hear thunder off in the distance.

But nothing was going to put a damper on our trail ride.

I even smiled for my trail selfie!

A mare ears photo! Between the ears times two!

The trail scenery was beautiful, but was covered with lots of trail obstacles, like large boulders and fallen trees. We rode up a very steep, boulder covered section and at the top decided to turn around because the sound of thunder became louder and closer.

 

We rode back across the highway and into the Doc Long Picnic Grounds for lunch and to avoid any rain, but it never came.

 

We were ready to bring our horses underneath the shelter if it rained, but it never did, so our mares just stood there and stared at us while we ate.

 

Of course, Apache received her granola bar after we humans finished. 

Great day!