You know what’s great about climate change? Winter hiking is so pleasant!
That’s false cheerfulness, but you get my point.
Taos has a ton of great trails, and one new to me is Cebolla Mesa, which takes you from the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge down to the river.
I tend to like longer hikes that maybe aren’t quite as intense, but still leave you a little worn-out when you’re done. I’m happy to be out for a few hours, usually going up and then down, and then I like to go somewhere to revel in the accomplishment and eat something that involves carbs and possibly french fries.
Cebolla Mesa isn’t that kind of hike. It’s not very long (about a mile and a quarter each way), but it’s steep enough so you have to be careful picking your way down the narrow trail, and stopping often to let your heart rate settle coming back up.
It doesn’t look terribly steep in this photo, but you can see Sam checking out the trail’s pitch before heading down.
Nature’s warning sign.
And nature’s tenacity.
Marking the way.
At the halfway point, the Rio Grande.
Now all we have to do is climb back out.
What’s your preference: short and steep, or long and less so? Let me know in the comments.
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Your pictures are so beautiful. What a glorious state you live in. I hiked in Colorado when I lived there but didn’t really in CA. because by then I had bad knees which took the joy away. I liked hikes challenging enough to get my heart rate up but didn’t like steep at all. I can smell the trees, earth and air just thinking of those hikes.
Delores – Thank you for the kind words! Colorado has spectacular hiking, and I understand bad knees being no fun at all. So no short and steep for you, got it. 🙂 To me there are few things as satisfying as getting out into nature and pushing myself a little. I hope you can do that again sooner than later.
I prefer distance over elevation. I can walk all day on the flat. It’s taken me years to realize that about myself. I also really enjoy what I like to call Urban trekking. Scott and I just got back from San Antonio and Austin where we explored many historic neighborhoods on foot. It’s really fun to hike around new cities.
Anna – Thanks for chiming in! Love urban trekking, it was one of my favorite things about living in New York. Have you considered a biggie like the Camino? That’s on my short list.
Again – I really appreciate your fotos and thoughts. San Diego? I was born there – was a lifeguard at the Silver Strand State Beach. Take care my friend.
Ron, thanks as always for the kind words. I do know you were born there, and I do know Silver Strand! When I was little we lived in Chula Vista, and that was our beach. I’m excited to spend time in my home city, and foresee lots of walks with Sam on Dog Beach in OB. 🙂
lovely, as always – enjoy san diego – thanks for being here….
Thank you, Oksana! <3
Wow – absolutely lovely and I love the little charms that you found along the way. I love photographers that take the time to SEE things! But then who can resist Sam, what a good boy!
Sherry – I’m so glad you liked them! Sam is such a good boy, and such an excellent hiking companion. 🙂
Winter somewhere else but here in Northeastern Oregon would be grand! Thanks so much for sharing your photos and adventures. Enjoy your trip to San Diego
Shelley – I’ll try to send some of our dry, warm weather your way. It’s always my pleasure to share here, and thanks for the comment!