The Ellis trail, a gateway to the stunning Sandia Mountains, offers year-round outdoor adventures.
In the warmer months, hikers can explore the winding trails, taking in panoramic views of the city below and the rugged mountain peaks. The crisp mountain air and the serene forest setting provide a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.
As winter arrives, the trail transforms into a winter wonderland. The snow-covered landscape invites cross-country skiers and snowshoers to glide through the silent forest.
The trail winds through a picturesque forest, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. For those seeking a more exhilarating experience, the Sandia Peak Tramway is at the end of the Ellis trail, providing access to downhill skiing and snowboarding at the Sandia Peak Ski Area.
The Sandia Peak Tramway, a world-renowned aerial tram, offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. Visitors can ride the tram to the summit, where they can enjoy dining and stunning panoramic views.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a winter sports enthusiast, the Ellis trail and the Sandia Peak Tramway offer something for everyone. Their stunning scenery, diverse terrain and convenient location make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
Noah Laffler is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
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PHOTO STORY: Best Winter Study Spots on Campus
December 1As the leaves keep falling off the trees, and each morning gets ever so slightly colder, winter slowly hits the University of New Mexico campus. Students begin to wear heavier clothes and begin to stay indoors more. Regardless of the temperature outside, this doesn’t stop the studying students have to do, begging the question: What are the best winter study spots on campus? Everyone has their own taste, but there are some spots that just cannot be beat. Zimmerman Library’s west-wing is great for anyone who wants to lock-in in silence while study spots near the Adobe Creative Commons for anyone wanting to study in groups. But there isn’t just Zimmerman, the Student Resource Center Apartments second level and Dane Smith has spots for a break during classes and George Pearl Hall has small classrooms available when not in use. Preston Rogers is a freelance reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
PHOTO STORY: Architectural Studio Life
December 1With one week left in the semester, each day is more and more stressful. Piles of scrap cardboard and chipboard lay everywhere as University of New Mexico architecture students prepare for their final review. Although this is a time of stress and urgency, it’s a bonding experience for many. From late nights working through problems with fellow classmates preparing for a final review, these relationships can be only obtained in architecture school at the School of Architecture and Planning. A strong studio culture has been built with students regardless of year, collaborating together whether in studio or down in the Fab Lab. The studio culture built in the architecture program at UNM is one of a kind. Preston Rogers is a freelance reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
PHOTO STORY: Built for learning: How architecture enhances the architecture school experience
December 1Most buildings on campus are designed in a manner that best suits what is being taught there, and George Pearl Hall is an excellent example of this. Two of five floors are filled with studio spaces where students in their second year and up each have their own space, providing an environment that can be adapted to their needs. Throughout the building its infrastructure is exposed, allowing students to measure steel beams and use the infrastructure as a guise for their work. The building’s “Crit Bridge” is a cradled bridge over the underground courtyard that serves as multifunctional space for holding events, student reviews and as exhibition space for student work. It’s not just these spaces, the entire structure is used as a reference for students as they continue to learn and develop their own projects. Preston Rogers is a freelance reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
