Chamisa Trail Loop via Saddleback and Windsor

The initial climb out of the Chamisa Trail parking lot climbs quickly and is a bit steep, but it mellows out fairly quickly, and one has done the majority of one's climbing by the time one reaches the saddleback junction. The Saddleback meanders along the ridgeline offering occasionally stunning views of the plains. It climbs gradually before dropping down a steep, rocky, and rutted trail that leads to the Windsor cutoff junctions. The further descent to the Windsor Trail is pretty mellow with occasional creek bed crossings. The Windsor Trail is lovely, sometimes running high above the Tesuque Creek, sometimes right alongside, with plenty of crossings both of the bridged and more adventurous variety. The canyon is often narrow and very shaded with plenty of pines as well as cottonwoods, willows, and other deciduous trees, in the spring providing a green canopy above and in the fall blanketing the path a gorgeous yellow. The ascent back up the Chamisa Trail from the Windsor is mellow at first, but constant, and then becomes quite steep. The hike back down to the parking lot is a welcome respite.