• Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Fitness
  • Nutrition
  • |
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Brand partnerships
    • Nutrition Coaching
March 21, 2017

Hiking New Mexico

23 comments
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

When I have the opportunity to get in a beautiful hike – especially in 70 degree and sunny weather with no humidity – I jump at it.

albuquerque hike

When we were planning out our travel for the Brooks Altitude Camp trip (<—check out that post first if you missed it), a few of us decided that rather than flying home first thing on Sunday, we’d stick around, rent a car for the day, and hit the New Mexico trails. Getting home after midnight wasn’t ideal, but I knew it would be worth it. 🙂

But first, on Sunday morning, I met up with the Brooks gang for one last quick run before saying farewell to a bunch of people who were flying out early. I ran about 3 miles with a few of the others – it was in the 50’s and sunny, so basically my perfect running weather! Here’s an awkward mid-run selfie for your viewing pleasure. Shout out to Janae for showing me that you can take a picture on an iphone by pressing the down volume button on the left side of the phone – way easier than trying to push the button on the screen!

IMG_0666

Post-run refuel back at the hotel (cottage cheese + fruit + cereal + a hard boiled egg):

IMG_0667

After a quick shower and getting all packed up, it was time to hike! Lora, Meghann, Emily, and I piled into our rental SUV (a huge thank you to Lora for organizing that for us) and headed to the trails!

We decided to do a hike called Travertine Falls in Cibola National Forest, which was only about a 20 minute drive from Albuquerque. I wish I lived so close to such amazing trails – I’d be on them all the time!

IMG_0668

This hike was so worth staying extra for. It was perfect hiking weather – not too hot, especially thanks to the lack of humidity, and I loved the extra time to catch up with my friends, too.

There were a ton of trails in this area so we ended up extending our hike and going on some of the offshoot trails. Gorgeous views as we climbed! We started the hike at 6,200 feet and at our highest point we were around 7,500 feet – whoa!

cibola national forest hike

cibola national forest

Happy place. 🙂

IMG_0682

The below view with the mountains in the distance was my favorite – so pretty!

hiking in albuquerque

Our shoes were so dusty when we finished! Still really loving these Caldera trail running shoes that Brooks gifted all of us – so comfortable! #twinning

Caldera trail running shoes

We hiked for about 2 or so hours, and afterward we all agreed that some authentic New Mexican food was in order! We headed back to Albuquerque and hit up a spot called El Patio. True to its name, they had a lovely patio so we sat outside. 🙂

el patio albuquerque review

We started by sharing some chips and guac, which got annihilated immediately – we were all hungry!

IMG_0700

Then, we all got different versions of the enchiladas – I had the cheesy green chili chicken enchiladas, which are apparently their best seller! Yummmmm!

el patio albuquerque review

Everything also came with sopaipillas, which I’d never had before – they are apparently a fried quick bread. We were instructed to top it with raw honey, which was available in a squirt bottle at the table. Soooo delicious – it tasted kind of like a donut!

sopaipillas honey

As you can imagine, we were quite full and happy when we headed to the airport to fly home. Such a fun day – I’m so glad I stuck around a bit longer for this fun adventure! Thanks for the great day, ladies – missing you already!

Have you ever tried sopaipillas before?

Have you ever been to New Mexico? This was my first time, and I was so impressed by its natural beauty!

- anne
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

you might also like:

Swinging: My New Favorite Form of Exercise

Hooray for Hollywoooooood

An Outdoorsy Weekend

Hiking Great Falls Park & Biking to Mt. Vernon!

leave a comment

Cancel reply

23 comments
  • Allison March 21, 2017 · 11:19AM:
    They have Sopapillas at Anita's (in Vienna, Chantilly, Herndon (?))
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 21, 2017 · 11:45AM:
      Oh cool! Next time I'm out that way I'll have to check that place out. :)
      Reply
  • Sean
    March 21, 2017 · 11:43AM:
    I so have to pick on you for the iPhone photo thing! I just forget that not everyone knows that. lol If you get back to NM and you're near Taos, head over to the gorge. Go out Hwy 64 to Tune Road. At the end of the road is a hiking trail down into the gorge. At the bottom there are hot springs. All over the walls of the gorge canyon there are mountain goats. It's really a neat hike. Then, on your way back, stop at Taos Mesa Brewing for a beer!
    Reply
  • Ash Diamond
    March 21, 2017 · 11:48AM:
    That Mexican meal - holy moly! It looks SO delicious! Glad you guys had a great hike!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 21, 2017 · 11:51AM:
      Wish you could have joined us!!
      Reply
  • Jen @ oatspeasbeansandbacon.com
    March 21, 2017 · 1:04PM:
    I have had sopaipillas before and they are quite yummy! We are quite close to Detroit and there is a wonderful Mexican village there. My husband and I have always wanted to travel to the SW states! Your pictures were beautiful!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 21, 2017 · 1:13PM:
      It was so gorgeous - and so different from anywhere I've been!
      Reply
  • Kelli @ Hungry Hobby
    March 21, 2017 · 1:28PM:
    I've never been to New Mexico but it looks a lot like Arizona!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 21, 2017 · 4:53PM:
      Yes, I spent a quick couple days in Arizona back in... 2010 I think, and it was similar. We didn't get into the mountains on that trip though - was glad to this time!
      Reply
  • Christina @ montessoriishmom.com
    March 21, 2017 · 2:12PM:
    I haven't had them in a while, but loved sopapillas as a kid! The ones I got as a kid were a little puffier and you squirted the honey inside - so good. New Mexico hiking is the best. We went to the Taos / Santa Fe area a couple of years ago and I was amazed by the beauty of the trails, and also by how uncrowded they were!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 21, 2017 · 4:53PM:
      Yeah, nothing was crowded! Probably because there are so many to choose from? I want to go back already!
      Reply
  • Carrie (This Fit Chick)
    March 21, 2017 · 2:40PM:
    Enchiladas!! Great call! What beautiful photos and gorgeous views. I've never been to NM, but I have the urge now.
    Reply
  • Danielle @ Wild Coast Tales
    March 21, 2017 · 3:10PM:
    The trip looks amazing! I never would have thought to visit New Mexico before for hiking/trail running but it is definitely going on the bucket list now.
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 21, 2017 · 4:53PM:
      I know, I had no idea how awesome it was! I'd love to go back again!
      Reply
  • Jackie March 21, 2017 · 11:16PM:
    this is so great to read, Anne! You were here in my hometown; I only wish I'd known because it wd be fun to meet you. Let me know if you come back! So fun to see our beloved place on your blog. Right now, I have some of your lentil granola bars in my fridge :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 22, 2017 · 1:19PM:
      Aw yay! Enjoy the lentil granola bars - and your gorgeous hometown! :)
      Reply
  • Heather @ Polyglot Jot
    March 22, 2017 · 8:52AM:
    I've never been to New Mexico but would LOVE to visit. I've always wanted to see the big hot air balloon festival there too!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 22, 2017 · 1:20PM:
      Ooo that sounds magical!
      Reply
  • Kris S March 22, 2017 · 8:54AM:
    Never tried sopaipillas but I hope to! Looks like the delicious Lakota fried bread from North Dakota :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 22, 2017 · 1:20PM:
      Yummy. :)
      Reply
  • S. March 22, 2017 · 10:58AM:
    I grew up in Colorado and had family in Albuquerque so have spent a lot of time down there growing up, but haven't been back in a while, it's such a unique state! Also, I LOVE the food, so tasty! I'm on the East Coast these days but posts like this make me think about moving back...
    Reply
  • Lauren K March 24, 2017 · 3:26PM:
    I love sopapillas! I actually lived in New Mexico for a few years as a kid -- fry bread was also a treat!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 24, 2017 · 4:13PM:
      Oh no way! That's so cool you lived there, I didn't know that!
      Reply
- next post
previous post -

about Anne

anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
Learn more

fannetastic reads

Top Posts
01

My Top 9 Most Popular Recipes + Posts

02

Why I Don’t Recommend Whole30

03

What Causes Sugar Cravings (+ How to Stop Them!)

04

How I Make Money As a Blogger

05

Blog Recipes We Make Again and Again

06

What to Eat Before and After a Long Run

07

What to Eat During Long Runs

08

7 Common Nutrition Myths

09

How to Love Veggies

connect with Anne

Email me
anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

follow anne:

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

back to top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recent Posts
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ

© copyright fannetastic food - site by kc - exclusive member of mediavine