Sandia Crest and Ski Run Ride

Over the summer, Apache and I guided a ride up in the Sandia Mountains. It was Apache's first time riding in the Sandia Mountains since her eye was removed.

Getting Apache booted up for the rocky trails.



The blue diamonds attached to the trees designates this trail as a x-country ski trail during snowy winters.

Beautiful trails surrounded by trees.



Riding across one of the ski runs.



My riding companion stopping to ask me "which way?".



Beautiful green meadows to ride through.



As we travel across the ski runs, we ride through green meadows and then back into the forest over and over again.

Apache the One Eye Wonder Horse! Even with only one eye, she navigated the rugged, steep, and narrow trails without any problem.

Riding beneath one of the ski lifts.

The trail winds up the mountain.

Gorgeous scenery!

Looking up one of the ski runs.

Trail Selfie!

Looks like the light at the end of the forest tunnel ahead.

Expansive vistas towards the east and down the ski runs.

Getting close to the top of Sandia Peak. Up there is the Sandia Peak Tram.

Lots of construction up on Sandia Peak, so no horses allowed. They are building a new restaurant after they tore down the old High Finance Restaurant in 2016. Apache and I and a few of my riding companions have many fond memories from trail rides to High Finance.

After riding up the ski run trails, we rode up to the Kiwanis Cabin where we enjoyed our lunches.

Albuquerque down below!

I'm not afraid of heights. Sitting beside the edge of the cliff is exhilarating and wonderful!

After lunch, we mounted back up and Apache and I rode into Kiwanis Cabin!

It was her first time doing it since her eye was removed and she was very cautious, but she trusted me and rode up into the cabin and then back out to pose for a photo.

I was so extremely proud of my girl!!

Apache the One Eye Wonder Horse and me!

Apache is truly The Horse of the Year for overcoming all her physical challenges and continuing to trail ride and explore new places with me! Apache is the best horse in the whole wide world to me!!

Apache standing near the edge looking west and down into Albuquerque. On the horizon we can see Mt. Taylor, over 50 miles away!

After we had fun up on Sandia Crest, we rode back down the mountain.

This huge log has been here for many years. It is an old familiar friend for me.

The day it fell in the forest, it must have made a lot of noise!

Bringing up the rear.

The forest is so thick and green and mysterious.

Riding among the trees makes me so happy!

We also rode through many green meadows surrounded by aspens.

Looking north towards Santa Fe with the Sandia Scenic Byway road to the left.

Apache enjoys munching green grass along the way.

Another beautiful green meadow as we ride down the mountain. Now we are looking towards the east.

We've arrived back at the 10K parking area. Someone doesn't know how to park a horse trailer...lol! Nope, that's not my rig. Mine is way up front.

Back at the horse trailer, time to unsaddle. What a great ride in the Sandia Mountains!

Life is Good!