Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway is 6 miles drive from Santa Fe Historic Center. From the very start of our drive we were stunned by the beauty of the hills drowning in glorious spring greenery. There are gorgeous villas on the hills and even higher up in the mountains. Magnificent view in bright sunshine… Oh, have I said “bright sunshine”? Was I expecting it to last? Yes, that’s what I hoped for but the weather gods have decided to gift us with more surprises. The higher were we climbing up, the darker the skies were looking. My husband said I know nothing about the weather changes in the mountains, if I didn’t expect some unpredictability. The road was getting more and more beautiful with every sharp curve, but alas… no sun. No sun, but there was a lovely family of graceful deer on the road and I managed to take a good photo of them. That was a real gift to me - I adore animals. There was still no rain when we reached Hyde Memorial State Park and were ready for a hike, but the cold drizzle has started and the temperature dropped to 43F. Oh, no… it wasn’t even drizzle, it was a hint of snow. How nice!We made a wise decision to continue driving and return to hike on the way back. Easier said than done: after a couple of miles up the road the light hail was waiting for us and my husband decided to turn back. But guess what: when we reached Hyde Memorial State Park, there was no rain and we embarked on the East Circle Trail hike to the waterfall, which is easier than the West Circle Trail. When we arrived back to our hotel, it was 60F and bright sunshine.

SO GLAD YOU WERE OPEN! We didn't have time to hit as many trails as we wanted, but the people of Jemez Springs were so kind to us and helpful at the visitor center. Jacob did a great job making these Okies very welcome! We are returning neighborliness you were shown, Jacob! Was it hard to see the burnt trees? Yes. There was much beauty still left, though, and the upper end of the Jemez River cascading along the roadside included! The canyons were literally thriling. We spent time at Valles Caldera surrounded by thunderstorms and mist. Great photos. We almost ended up at the Los Alamos Labs...glad we turned around! lol We were followed by MPs. Not exactly the thrill we were trying to find, but we will take it!

We didn't have time on our visit to the area to do anything more than just drive through the park and the views were so beautiful we were very happy we did. We just had to pull into any number of turnoffs to admire the scenery and take pictures. Clearly this is a place you could spend a lot of time hiking and the like to more fully enjoy the park but if your time is short or if your mobility is limited, a drive through this park will be a very rewarding use of your time.

We hiked from Windsor Trail (by the Santa Fe Ski) up the somewhat tiring switchbacks and through the fence. Took a right and went on fairly level ground forever to the ascent for Nambe Lake which begins to the right. Then the “fun” begins. It’s a difficult climb, but I think most people could do it if they took their time. Plenty of rocks and things to rest. The path isn’t marked well at this point. Just hug the River. Honestly, the meadow probably halfway up was my favorite payout. Absolutely gorgeous, a scene out of a movie. Like, where’s Julie Andrews? The lake at the top is small but breathtaking. I believe starting altitude is 10k ft and you hike to 11,300 (if I recall correctly). We finished in 4.5 hours, but I think it would have gone much faster without a hiking newbie. All the same, we all felt accomplishment, and it’s definitely a tough hike.

Off the charts beautiful! Great hiking trails in luscious scenery. It is even better to go back at night and stop along the road and gaze at the stars! Just fantastic!