These are a few of our fave trails

Consider our blessings living in Santa Fe. Not only do we reside in a state with over 13 million acres of public land, which comprises nearly 30 percent of New Mexico, but we have local public trails easily accessible from home. Drew runs and I walk the Santa Fe River Trail! The three miles from De Vargas Park to Frenchy’s Field are paved and a favorite of Drew and Zoe, his dog, for training runs. Drew is the one in training! Heading east along Alameda, the path is unpaved and winds along the river below huge cottonwoods. You may well see the familiar face ofMichael Smith, one of the founders of the Friends of the Santa Fe River, who spearheads their mission by putting in numerous voluntary hours tending and improving the terrain, opening up viewscapes, removing Siberian elms and Russian olive trees, both invasive species and ecological threats. He can always do with a helping hand. To learnmore about volunteering, please go to www.friend- softhesantaferiver.org

Other recreational trails within the City of Santa Fe are the Santa Fe Rail Trail, Arroyo de Los Chamisos Trail, and the Dale Ball Trail system. Traversing diverse residential areas, they offer daily opportunities to get outside. For something more strenuous, there’s the Atalaya Trail, so well worth taking to gasp at the views.

Heading 14 miles southeast from Santa Fe, the Galisteo Basin Preserve offers over 50 miles of trails through grasslands, water-sculpted arroyos, and craggy sandstone formations up to amazing ridges commanding extraordinary views. The GBP concept emboldens an enduring heritage and an example of conservation in the American Southwest.

In another direction, just west of the Santa Fe Airport, the La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Site has over 4,400 recorded images within less than a mile. An easy walk to see Precolumbian petroglyphs depicting hunters, deer, birds and early native flute-players.

Nowwe go further afield to tell you about Penelope’s absolute favorite high in the PecosWilderness. TrailridersWall is about a mile long and extends fromPecos Baldy Lake to the base of the Truchas Peaks. This is a magical trail through wildflower meadows, overlooking long mesas, walled canyons, and rugged terrain with forested slopes and views of distant peaks. Not easy to get to, and not a day hike!

To participate in trail maintenance or learnmore, there are a myriad of opportunities: To name a few - Friends of the Santa Fe River; REI organizes voluntary trail maintenance; Sierra Club arranges hikes; and there are several online MeetUp groups dedicated to weekly hiking groups.

We have it all – as residents of New Mexico, challenge yourselves to find new adventures, near and far.

Wewish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays with friends and family.

We bring a new look to real estate to help integrate you within our community. A profound love and knowledge of Santa Fe combined with a fresh outlook, vitality, experience, local insight, and fun make Penelope (505-690-3751, penelope.vasquez@ sothebyshomes.com) and Drew (505-4709194, drew.lamprich@sothebyshomes.com) your trusted real-estate advisors.