Day Two: Truth or Consequences to Santa Fe
Miles Driven:
230 Miles
This was big for me! I also filled the car up with gas for the first time- everything was fine except that the rental car’s gas door was broken so when I popped it, it just flew completely off.
Miles Run/Hiked/Walked:
7.3 Miles
I absolutely LOVED the trails at Dale Ball - close to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, these were fun rolling hills and there were so many options - I could have stayed running there forever. There were a decent amount of people around and you’re never really too far from the parking lot so I felt super self being on my own. It was also a bonus that it’s really close to the downtown area, so I had cell service pretty much the entire time I was out there.
Elevation Gained:
659 Feet
Accommodations:
$68.30 per night to stay at the Santa Fe Treehouse Camp - my first experience booking through Hip Camp (think Airbnb for tents and treehouses and trailers and yurts!)
This was a bare bones treehouse/hut about 20-25 miles outside of Santa Fe .
I borrowed bedding for $25 – one of the sheets looked like it had been attacked in a knife fight, but the down blanket kept me comfy and cozy up in the mountains where temps dropped to around 40 over night!
The came had sufficient WiFi and cell service so that my family knew I was alive at all times, but spotty enough to not make it worth it to spend much time on your phone! Disconnect, baby!
I had no issues with my rental car getting to the treehouses despite a long stretch of unpaved, hilly roads. I would plan on having four-wheel drive if there’s been rain or snow!
Usually I’m all about a central location, within walking distance or all the shops and restaurants, but I have to say, driving 20 minutes to my secluded little tree house at the end of each day was relaxing and refreshing and even if I could have afforded a fancy hotel room in Santa Fe Plaza, I think I would have chosen my treehouse.
I had one lightbulb (prepare to read by headlamp) and one outlet (reserved for Garmin charging, obviously!)
There was an amazing outdoor communal kitchen with truly anything you could want/need
Communal firepits - but be sure fires are allowed depending on the time of year.
Friendly owners – Brad greeted me when I arrived and gave me the full tour. He also offers activities during the week for added costs like tomahawk throwing and archery.
Private access to hiking trails (I am sad I didn’t get to summit Shaggy Peak!)
Stargazing galore
Hot showers and warm bathrooms
Highlights:
I started day two with a soak session in a private hot spring at Riverbend Hot Springs - a short walk from my glamping tent in Truth or Consequences. For around $40 I had 50 minutes to soak - but I have to be honest - it wasn’t my favorite thing ever. I’m just very terrible at sitting still, plus it was a little too warm out for me to enjoy the 90 degree water. My favorite part was being able to pull a string and have freezing cold water rain down on me. Another bummer - the river was incredibly low and muddy, which detracted from what could have been an incredible view.
I will admit when I first saw my treehouse in comparison to my glamping tent I was a little horrified. It was a big change from my glamping tent! But you know what? It ended up being my favorite part of the trip. I got the best nights sleep of my life, somehow! 4 hours and 45 minutes of deep sleep. HIYAHHHH.
Accomplishments:
I was really proud of how quickly I was able to turn my, “Oh my god I’m supposed to sleep here?” attitude into, “This is just like backpacking! It’s going to be great!”
Hours of Sleep:
9 Hours 58 Minutes!!!!