When I lived in New Mexico, my favorite local hike was to Sun Mountain, a quick and challenging climb up a 7,900-foot peak overlooking Santa Fe. It was — for practical purposes — an efficient way to ...

Now, this route up to Black Mountain via the Nighthawk Trail ... so hikers can make sure they stay on the Nighthawk Trail. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Hikers will begin up a steep ...

The Fry-Koegel Trail travels along the northern side of the mountain, and features shaded sections and a well-maintained dirt path. (Maura Fox / The San Diego Union-Tribune) It’s a lovely hike ...