Atalaya Mountain Trail | Hiking Solo in New Mexico

There are plenty of people that really enjoy the art and history that is so popular in Santa Fe, New Mexico. But I’m not one of them. I appreciate that they exist and I appreciate that other people appreciate it, but I would rather find one of the many trails that are splattered all over the surrounding area. I’ve selected one to add to my travel vlog called the Atalaya Trail; it’s my mom’s favourite and I’ve done it only once before with my cousin. Hiking is one of the many things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico, so join me as I embark on this solo adventure.

There are a ton of things to do in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Among them is really a lot of art, history, and shopping. When I was preparing this vlog, I wanted to do a little bit of research to see if there was something that I was missing in Santa Fe so that I could share it too. There were so many mentions of churches, museums, and lots of boutiques. I am not much of a shopper myself, and I know that there are a lot of people that appreciate art and history. But unfortunately, or fortunately, I am not one of them.

While Austin and I were here, Ralph and my mom purchased tickets for all of us to a museum exhibit highlighting Yokai. Yokai are Japanese spirits that do not necessarily have to be malevolent creatures. It was actually really fascinating, probably one of the most fascinating that I have ever experienced. However, the best part was the video display. There were five or six Yokai stories. Each of them was told in Japanese, and was of a young lady reading from a book of stories. Some of them were very creepy, and others were terrifying. I probably enjoyed this so much because I enjoy the Japanese language, and I prefer to learn about culture and history through another person, and video (sometimes) is as close as I can get.

So I went through the Japanese curtains into a dark room to sit down and listen to each of these tales for 30 to 40 minutes in a dark room, on a wooden bench. Occasionally, others would walk in, but I had already chosen the next story to listen to. I kind of felt like I was taking over the display. but after giving a few other visitors the option of choosing the next story to watch, they left it up to little, ol’ happy me. I was very content to choose the next story.

The point of this being is that, personally, I am not able to enjoy a museum or any kind of historical or religious display without there being some kind of interactive element. I will especially be more apt to pay attention if there is a translation because it is being told in another language. It is just my personality. So instead I choose to go on a hike, through the woods, occasionally by myself.

Austin has told me that he does not appreciate when I grab footage throughout our hikes because it slows us down, and he would rather see all of the sights. So, while I am focused on getting the right angle throughout the trail, he would probably have walked the trail twice when I have walked it once. I understand the frustration, but also getting what I think is the “right angle” is fun too. I get to enjoy even more facets to walking a trail. Each time I “scout” a location, I am trying to see everything as if for the first time. I am trying to grab all of the interesting, exciting elements to each place. What is even more exciting about creating a vlog like this is that I will get to experience this more than once: a walkthrough, behind the camera, and in front of the screen. Probably several more times as I watch it for errors or issues. Because of this I walk alone on some of my hikes, but I take you with me as I explore.

I think the coolest highlight that I could say I have done is the 96-mile West Highland Way, in Scotland. I walked this by myself, not including friends I had made on the route. The West Highland Way symbolizes independence and personal strength and growth that I have within me. It is pretty much every single solo hike and trip that I take that also embodies these personality traits with which I align myself.

A few years ago I had gone on this exact trail with my cousin, who currently lives in Santa Fe. We had gone with her dog, and she had some walking sticks, and this time I didn’t even have appropriate footwear. I had been wearing some versatile Tom’s shoes that I thought would match with all of the outfits that I had packed - 5, by the way:

Shirt and shorts;

Another shirt and leggings;

Two other shirts and a pair of jeans; and

A dress

I felt really accomplished just packing those things, but because of this I only packed a pair of sandals and those Tom’s shoes. So up I climbed - up, up, up! It seemed a bit longer than I remembered, but that definitely had to do with the amount of times I was stopping to get some footage of a lovely flower, or fascinating insect. Previously, I wouldn’t really stop for an insect when hiking, but I think it’s absorbing to see every possible experience of hiking the trail. And so I did.

Upon having to choose between the easier route and the steeper route, I chose the easier route and came upon a message that someone had written with stones - Love is the Answer, it read. Simple, beautiful, and completely unexpected. I’m really happy to have gone up one way, even though I did take the steeper route down. The entire trail there was not a lot of signs to guide the way; I met several women along the path that also agreed. Additionally, they agreed that it was a beautiful, safe trail that they felt comfortable frequenting. I flew my drone around, when I had it, but also I lost that footage so I couldn’t share it in my video.

On the way back down, my phone’s battery was slowly ticking towards that 0% marker. You would think that would stop me from listening to my music… It didn’t. I listened to it until that little phone could play no more. Then came the problem of getting back home from St John’s. I knew that there typically was a security guard in place every time I went to St. John’s. The security guard let me down though. Either their shift had ended, or they were avoiding me. Either way I mustered up the courage to knock on this giant truck’s passenger window because it was the only vehicle that I knew had a person inside. A man rolled down the window and looked at me with suspicion.

Why does my voice always go high when I talk?

I quickly asked for his help to get to my mom’s street since I had no idea how to get back. He looked it up, and handed me his phone so that I could try and memorise the turns. There were less than five turns, so I had hope that I would manage to get back safely. Right before this trip to Santa Fe, I had discovered that my battery pack, or external charger, had stopped holding a charge. It sat on the charger for two days for it to continue blinking at “25%”. But rest assured, I bought a new one as soon as I got back to my mom’s casita. Rest. Assured. Good thing this hike was so beautiful with an incredibly picturesque panorama at the very top that was more than worth it. Bring a snack. Bring two. Wear the right shoes, or don’t. With enough tenacity, you will make it to the top and you will be amazed with that view. Enjoy.

“Traveling is like flirting with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station” – Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

What is your favourite hike in/near Santa Fe?