North Sandia Crest Loop Ride

I invited two of my riding buddies to join me to ride the North Sandia Crest Trail. The day was absolutely gorgeous and we were so happy to be high up on the mountain, above 10,000' elevation.

Teresa and her mare.

Dana and her gelding.

And me and my mare!

I always enjoy riding among the forest.

The sky was so vibrantly blue and the vegetation was so lushly green!

This trail was a bit overgrown and had several fallen trees blocking the path, so we had to do some bushwhacking. Not my favorite thing to do, but an excellent training experience for you and your horse, because your horse has to be patient and trust you to find the safest route through the forest.

I love this section of trail, just before we reach the top of the mountain. The trees are so twisted and interesting looking.

Trail Selfie!

Finally at the top! Looking south, enjoying the vistas of an aspen covered mountain side.

Looking north and west.

A nice hiker offered to take our photo up at the top. Dana, Teresa and me.

Riding south through the thick scrub oak and mountain mahogany.

Leading the way...trail selfie!

Very dense vegetation.

Riding along the Sandia Crest.

Teresa and Dana bringing up the rear, smiling and happy to be in such a beautiful place with our amazing horses.

Another gorgeous view!

Dana and her gelding.

We rode through the old burn area on Sandia Crest. This small fire happened a couple years ago, but there still isn't much vegetation growth.

Enjoying the incredible views out across Albuquerque.

The radio towers in the distance.

My riding companions were impressed with the views, too.

Riding the road beneath the Sandia Crest House.

Back on the trail and riding through the forest again.

Between the ears, beautiful trail.

Riding above the 10K South parking lot, our trailers down below, at the end of a fantastic ride.

Life is Good!!!

South Sandia Crest Loop Ride

Earlier this summer I decided I wanted to haul my horse up into the Sandia Mountains and ride several of my favorite trails across the ski slopes out from the 10K South Trailhead.

I invited a riding companion to join me since she had never ridden those trails before.

Apache waiting patiently beside my trailer to head out on the trails.

Apache and I ready to go!

Apache and I led the way through the forest.

I love riding in the mountains, surrounded by tall trees!

Apache and I taking a little rest beside the trail.

Riding across one of the ski runs. Everything is so green!

Just enjoying the gorgeous vistas down the mountain and across the eastern plains.

My riding companion and her spotted pony enjoying a quiet moment on one of the ski runs.

The trail zigzags and switchbacks up the mountain towards the crest.

The trail takes you alternately through forests and across the green ski slopes.

Trail Selfie!

This section of trail through the forest looks like we were riding towards a hole that opens onto another ski run.

A Trail Selfie showing the mysterious forest hole.

Apache and I leading the way. There are many technical sections with some boulder hopping or steep downhills. Apache handles them all like the pro that she is. Professional Trail Horse that is!  

Apache and I on another ski run, this one with a ski lift.

My riding companion and her horse posing on a ski run.

The ski runs are very steep, but the trails travel across them, so the elevation is never very steep for your horse.

Here my riding companion and her horse show just how steep the ski runs really are.....Man from Snowy River steep!

Apache and I checking out the views down the mountain. If you look closely, you can see where the trail switchbacks or zigzags back and forth up the ski run.

Apache and I enjoying a quiet moment on one of the ski runs.

Apache and I beneath the ski lift.

Looking up towards Sandia Peak. We're almost there.

After riding up to Sandia Peak, I decided to  show my riding companion the Kiwanis Cabin up on Sandia Crest, above 10,600' elevation.

Apache on Sandia Crest looking west, down over the city of Albuquerque.

Apache and I on Sandia Crest, on the north side of Kiwanis Cabin, with the Manzano Mountains behind us.

My riding companion and her pony posing in front of Kiwanis Cabin.

Looking north towards the Crest House and the Crest Towers.

Apache and I just chillin' on Sandia Crest. She's been up here countless times with me. It's just one of the incredible places we have visited often and never tire of.

Between the ears looking out over the edge!

Then, because this is always something I do with my mare, we rode up inside of Kiwanis Cabin! I didn't have anyone to take our photo, so I took a between the ears photo from inside the cabin instead.

My riding companion and her horse followed Apache and I into Kiwanis Cabin and after Apache and I rode down the stairs, I told my riding companion to stay at the entrance so I could take a special photo.

And then we made our way back down the mountain.

Almost back at the trailhead and a herd of deer leapt across the trail and startled my riding companion's horse. Thankfully, she didn't fall of, and we were able to watch the deer from the trail below.

Do you see the deer in the trees, just above her horse's ears?

Almost back to the trailhead....

10K North parking lot is where the restroom is and where cars are welcome to park.

Trailers will have difficulty trying to turn around as there is only one entrance/exit.

While 10K South parking lot is a loop, so trailers can drive right through.

Apache's thinking, "We're back!! What a ride!"

What a ride indeed!

This photo epitomizes the feeling I get when riding someplace that I love. I am always filled with such a sense of joy and freedom and happiness! And I know Apache feels it, too. 

Life is Good!!