Fall Colors On Sandia Crest

Yesterday I decided that the Fall colors up on the mountain were starting to fade and if I did not get up there I was going to miss it. That would not do at all. It has been pretty chilly in the mornings already so I made a mid morning departure so I would arrive mid day a great time for a Fall hike. I took my dog Sadie with me as she always enjoys going hiking with me. I did wear the poor thing out though. She slept the rest of the day.

Beautiful colors from green to deep orange.

The oaks were turning and you can see the aspen in the distance with their gold color

The trail at the top was aglow with colors

The Aspens were beautiful

Some aspen were barely turning

Some Aspen where at the height of color

The gold aspen were so pretty against the evergreens

This group is almost done, but so beautiful still

The forest floor was littered with the golden aspen leaves

First Week of May and Training

 I have begun training in earnest for the Grand Canyon. Last weekend we did a similar hike but there was not picture taking. We began at the base of Sandia Crest in Tijears and hiked up to the Faulty Trail at about 1 mile. Then we took the Faulty Trail to Barts Trail at about mile 5. Barts trail is a killer with about 3000 foot elevation gain in about 2 miles. It was slow going for me, unlike my husband who had to wait for me at the top. The first photo is The Sandia Crest Trail heading South along the ridge of the crest.

This is a view to the North looking down on the Albuquerque side.

 Another view at the top.

 My husband going up the Sandia Crest Trail.

South Peak of Sandia Crest. At the end of the day we had logged over 16 miles. I am tired and sore but not as bad as last weekend. We have one more weekend to train locally before we head off to the Grand Canyon.

I am planning on making some Sweet Potato Bark for trail food. A Paleo high carb food that I have never tried. It is always a challenge to eat a Paleo diet when out in the backcountry.