Alamo Vista

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

While not on many maps, this trail is popular with hikers, bikers, and skiers alike. It's listed on the map at the trailhead as "Alamo Vista." It is often ridden as a super fun descent after an Aspen Vista climb. As a climb, this trail is very steep and would be considered an expert trail with some hike-a-bike sections (especially toward the top).

Headed down, it starts just west of the lookout tubes at the top of Ski Santa Fe's quad chair. You'll see faint singletrack carved into the windswept landscape. The trail quickly gets steep and you'll want a functioning dropper post for this section. Once cleared, you'll enter the sweet spot of this trail as it winds through an Aspen glade at a grade that seems slightly too steep to avoid some brake feathering. There are minor technical features along the way to make things dicey as well.

Riders will hit the half-way mark at the informally named "Carl's Meadow." Named for a favorite getaway spot for the amazing young Santa Fe man who was taken entirely too soon. The trail is referred to by this name by many as well...including myself as I knew Carl. It's also known as Tessa's trail as there is a plaque toward the bottom that serves as a memorial to another woman who was taken too early.

After the meadow, you'll continue through an aspen glade and descend quickly through tightly-packed aspen trees. Again, the pitch and technical features keep things interesting. Before you know it, you'll be dumped into the Aspen Vista picnic area wishing it weren't already over.