Trip report
Oct 22, 2020 — The trail to Atalaya Mountain is very popular, located just on the city limits of Santa Fe, NM. The trail is easy to follow and well-marked, and doesn't have much for views until an overlook at the summit. It's a nicely forested walk, though. The first few miles wind around the foothills before ascending the peak's west ridge. The trail crosses a road early on, and most views along the way are down toward Santa Fe, so it's not necessarily where you want to go for solitude. Halfway up, there is an option for a shorter, steeper shortcut (which is signed), or to take the scenic and slightly longer and easier route. We did the latter, and were happy we did. Otherwise, there were some steeper sections along the hike, but most of the time it's a pretty moderate grade. The final half mile or so is a bit eroded since hundreds of people have cut the switchbacks, and the final ridgeline approach to the summit includes various overlooks toward Santa Fe.