Ravens Ridge to Deception Peak

On July 4, 2006 Thomas and I hiked to Ravens Ridge in the Santa Fe National Forest. What incredible views! Ever since then we have been talking about returning there and then continuing on up the trail to Deception Peak. Our hike on the Fourth of July was about two and a half miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 1100 feet. From the start the hike is all uphill – but the views are worth it.

View of Santa Fe Baldy from Ravens Ridge

We left home a little early and drove up to the Santa Fe Ski Basin. At 8:30 am we began our hike at the Winsor Trail #254. After about 30 minutes of moderate climbing we reached a fence line. If we had continued through the fence we would have continued on the Winsor Trail and eventually ended up at Nambe Lake (this is a hike we have planned for another time). Instead we turned right at the fence and headed up to Ravens Ridge - the trail is marked with a wooden sign. We continued our uphill climb for another 30 minutes. Along the way we encountered all kinds of wild mushrooms.

After about a mile and a quarter we reached the end of the fence line and encountered a precipitous drop. Here was a rocky ridge with the most incredible views of mountains and valleys.

How did we hear about this place – a letterbox, of course. We initially hiked here to find a wonderful letterbox placed by Astro D. You can get a beautiful carved stamp image while being surrounded by the Santa Fe National Forest. Make sure to check out Astro D’s Ravens Ridge letterbox and if you are in Santa Fe please take some time and hunt for this box. It is well worth it.

After a short break we continued on a small trail headed up Ravens Ridge. Another three quarters of a mile and we arrived at another overlook – this time with views overlooking Santa Fe.

We continued past this overlook and after a very intense climb (about 2 miles and an elevation gain of another 800 feet we reached Deception Peak. There were times along the way when I felt we had gotten off course. In some places the trail was sketchy – Thomas was confident that we were on the trail and headed in the right direction. All I can say is I should listen to him – we were doing fine.
Along the way we caught glimpses of Santa Fe Baldy, Pentitente Peak, Nambe Lake and Lake Peak.

View of Nambe Lake on the way to Deception Peak

From here we followed the saddle of Deception Peak and headed for the top of the Santa Fe Ski Runs. After a few minor ups and downs we reached a Forest Road and started downhill to the Ski Basin parking lot.

All in all today we hiked seven miles with a total elevation gain of about 1800 feet. To some this may be an easy or moderate hike but for us this was pretty challenging. It was our personal best. Now we know that we can attempt more challenging hikes and do just great.

What a great way to spend a Labor Day Holiday!