One of the choices hikers have on this trail is the option of taking the longer route (Trail 174), an approximately 7 miles trip, or starting at the parking-lot near the Ponderosa Ridge development and doing a 4.6-mile loop (Trail 170) instead. The trails eventually merge to become one that leeds to the top of Atalaya Mountain's 9,121-foot peak. The trail becomes increasingly more difficult as you near the summit, but it's a small price to pay for the incredible views of the Rio Grande valley and the city below.

Directions: From St. John's College, Santa Fe, Access from Parking area

Atalaya Mountain Trail is accessible from the parking lot at St. Johns College. This easily accessible hiking trail is one of the most popular in Santa Fe.