Sandia Crest Ride

Late summer I organized a ride up in the Sandia Mountains just a 30 minute drive away. I invited several riding companions and I was the guide as I know the trails well after several years of exploring them.

Apache and I both love riding in the mountains because we love the amazing vistas!




Apache, my One-Eye Wonder Horse, was wearing her beautiful custom-made headstall that I designed for her, to celebrate our 7 years together.



We rode some of the x-country ski trails through the forest.



Trail Selfie!

At one point we cross the scenic byway to continue our way down the trail.

The blue diamonds show that this is a x-country ski trail.....with a few knee-knocker trees to negotiate our way through.

The forest is so cool and shady, wonderful to ride on a hot day.

I totally focus on the scents of the forest and the rich earth and pine smells. Heavenly!

I'm always so overjoyed to be riding my special mare in the mountains!

And I love the way that the sunlight filters through the trees.

Almost at the top of the mountain, on the Crest Trail!

Lots of colorful scrub oak in September!

Soaking in the incredible views from above 10,600' elevation!

That strip of green far below is the Rio Grande River!

We tied up for lunch.

Apache enjoyed her rest while munching on the scrub oak leaves.

I love this lunch spot for the amazing views!

On good years, when we get plenty of rain and cold enough temps, that hillside is awash in gold from the hundreds of aspens.

Our lunch spot has the perfect mounting wall and a great place to sit or lean against while taking in the views and eating lunch.

I'm always grateful for photos of me and my Apache mare.

Heading back down the mountain through beautiful groves of pines.

Beautiful!

And lovely aspens that line the trail.

I do love aspens!

Happy trail selfie!

I love to soak it all in, while riding in silence.

Nature is incredibly lovely.

The mountains are very hilly and often steep.

The trail travels up and then down, like a roller coaster.

Sometimes there are short sections that are flat, but not many.

Steep and rocky uphill.

Then riding through a pretty meadow.

And back into the forest again.

And then we are back at the parking area.

My tired mare.

After watering and unsaddling, we all set up our chairs near our trailers, for ice cold post-ride beers. 

Life is Good!!!!