Hike Rating: Moderate - Long
Hiking Distance: 12 Miles round trip
Hiking time: 6 Hours
Altitude: 10,000 feet to 12,040 feet for a gain of 2040 feet.
Seasonal And Weather: Hike early to aviod afternoon weather and high mountain storms.  In the winter this hike is completely snowed in and becomes an excellent place to snowshoe and nordic ski.
Driving Distance: 13.5 miles from the Plaza.

Directions: Take Washington Avenue to Artist Road and turn right (east).  Follow Artist Road 12.6 miles, through the Hyde Park Ranger Complex to the Aspen Vista lot on the right, before the ski basin.  This parking lot can be full on the weekend, but there is usually ample shoulder parking.

Maps:  McClure Reservoir and Aspen Basin

The Hike:  This week's hike is a great choice for those looking for some moderate altitude gain and a solid distance hike.  With fall in the air, this is the place to immerse yourself in the explosive and vibrant fall of the aspen leaves. 

Just off the ski basin road, the Aspen Vista to Tesuque Peak hike is a well-marked, gated forest service road which meanders six miles to the top of Tesuque Peak and the radio towers.  The hike is a pleasant one in the fall as ittakes the hiker through large groves of vibrant aspens in their fall colors, and continues to ascend through Spruce and Fir forest as you gain altitude on your way to the summit of 12,043-foot Tesuque Peak.  The Tesuque Creek provides ample water along the route, but use of a water filter is highly recommended when drinking from high mountain streams.

In the fall, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as the Elk and Mule Deer are active in the ritualistic rut at this time of year.  This hike can get crowded during height of Aspen viewing in late September and early October, so remember to get an early start. 

This hike is very straight-forward.  An out-and-back hike, all you need to do is stick to the road and stick to your guns, as this is a long one.  To begin, pass through the gated access road at the east side of the parking lot, which begins your walk towards Tesuque Peak.  The walk is straight ahead as you will be following the service road all the way to the radio towers. 

In the summer, the Aspen Vista trail is home to a wide range of flora and fauna.  Elk, Deer, and Grouse have been seen, as well as vibrant wildflowers.  As you gain altitude following the switchbacks in the road, you will be rewarded with incredible vistas of Santa Fe and the surrounding Rio Grande Basin.

Once you have gained the summit of Tesuque Peak, you will enjoy 360-degree views of the Santa Fe Watershed, and a view north to Santa Fe Baldy.  The return home is all downhill from there.