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.
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!
Post-run refuel back at the hotel (cottage cheese + fruit + cereal + a hard boiled egg):
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!
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!
Happy place. :)
The below view with the mountains in the distance was my favorite – so pretty!
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
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. :)
We started by sharing some chips and guac, which got annihilated immediately – we were all hungry!
Then, we all got different versions of the enchiladas – I had the cheesy green chili chicken enchiladas, which are apparently their best seller! Yummmmm!
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!
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!
They have Sopapillas at Anita’s (in Vienna, Chantilly, Herndon (?))
Oh cool! Next time I’m out that way I’ll have to check that place out. :)
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!
That Mexican meal – holy moly! It looks SO delicious! Glad you guys had a great hike!
Wish you could have joined us!!
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!
It was so gorgeous – and so different from anywhere I’ve been!
I’ve never been to New Mexico but it looks a lot like Arizona!
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!
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!
Yeah, nothing was crowded! Probably because there are so many to choose from? I want to go back already!
Enchiladas!! Great call! What beautiful photos and gorgeous views. I’ve never been to NM, but I have the urge now.
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.
I know, I had no idea how awesome it was! I’d love to go back again!
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 :)
Aw yay! Enjoy the lentil granola bars – and your gorgeous hometown! :)
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!
Ooo that sounds magical!
Never tried sopaipillas but I hope to! Looks like the delicious Lakota fried bread from North Dakota :)
Yummy. :)
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…
I love sopapillas! I actually lived in New Mexico for a few years as a kid — fry bread was also a treat!
Oh no way! That’s so cool you lived there, I didn’t know that!