Atalaya Mountain at Sunset

Trailhead at the end of Camino Cruz Blanca, past St. John's College. Six miles round trip to the summit at 9,121 feet, about three hours. The trail starts through pinon-juniper woodland, crosses a dry arroyo, then switchbacks up rocky shelves. At the halfway point, the pinon gives way to ponderosa pine — press your nose to the bark. Butterscotch. I'm not making it up.

The summit is a broad rocky clearing with 360-degree views: Jemez Mountains west, Sangre de Cristos wrapping north and east, the dry plateau stretching south toward Albuquerque. In late September the aspens on the upper slopes are turning and the evening light makes the granite glow copper.

Time it to arrive forty minutes before sunset. Bring a fleece — the temperature drops ten degrees in twenty minutes at altitude. Two liters of water minimum. Dogs on leash welcome. The trail is well-maintained — stone steps on the steepest sections, cairns where the path crosses open rock.