Ski Santa Fe Loop

Begin by parking at the Ski Santa Fe parking area and heading west to the Winsor National Recreation Trail, which has restrooms and a map posted at the trailhead. This loop is best done counter-clockwise, as it then finishes downhill into the basin. Head left/south on the Windsor Trail and keep left at the intersection with Rio en Medio to stay on Windsor. Pass through the "Norski" trailhead parking, continuing straight through on Windsor. Continue descending and cross Pacheco Canyon Road (Borrego Trail), continuing straight to stay on Windsor. Finally, reach the lowest elevation of the loop as you reach the intersection with what the county calls Tesuque Creek Trail, but is better known as Big Tesuque. Head left and begin the long climb. After slightly over a mile from the intersection, the !Big Tesuque Campground is reached at Hyde Park Road. Restrooms (pit toilets) are available and a map is posted. Continue on Big Tesuque, now following the creek for the steepest mile yet. At approximately mile 5.25 of the loop, meet with Aspen Vista, a forest road which will take you nearly to the top of the climb. This section is a nearly constant 6% grade for 5 miles, with beautiful views over Santa Fe through the aspens. Continue on the forest road until the ridge is gained, with views down onto the lake. Then turn left on the road, heading north-east and keeping to the ridge up onto Deception Peak. Once gained, head northwest and down onto Raven's Ridge which borders the ski area on the north. Do not head into the bowl of Nambe Lake. Follow the trail on a steep descent, meeting the Winsor National Recreation Trail once again, and taking it south to return to the parking area of Ski Santa Fe.