Whether you’re an Albuquerque local, a new resident, or just a visitor passing through, you won’t want to choose just any hiking trailer.
You’ll want to choose a hiking trail according to the trail’s difficulty, length, terrain type, and whether it is family-friendly and/or pet-friendly. Without this information, you can get injured or overly fatigued, leading to much bigger problems like dehydration and hospital visits.
Know your limits before embarking on hiking trails near Albuquerque. Fortunately, with a little research and some trail suggestions, you’ll be enjoying the New Mexican scenery in no time!
Exploring Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Best Hiking Trails
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a hiker’s paradise, with great trails catering to everyone from inexperienced hikers to seasoned adventurers and plenty of camping sites and RV parks. So, take your pick of the following trails (and don’t forget to stay hydrated!)
1. La Luz Trail
La Luz Trail stands out as one of the most iconic and best hiking trails in the Sandia Mountains. This hike begins at the La Luz Trailhead and leads to Crest Trail.
Note that due to the intensity and danger risk, mountain bikers are not allowed to bike here.
Fair warning: this is a challenging hike, as it is 7.5 strenuous miles long and covers a wide range of elevation and terrain. Most hikers take around 3.5 hours to complete one way of the trail, making it a seven-hour adventure.
La Luz Trail is only recommended for highly skilled hikers. The fluctuating elevation adds to the challenge, but the spectacular views make it worth every step.
La Luz Trail is open from dawn to dusk, but it is highly recommended that you don’t hike during peak heat hours in the summer.
Trail Information:
- Total Miles: 7.5 miles
- Difficulty Rating: Hard
- Max Elevation: About 10,000 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, if leashed
- Bike-Friendly: No
- Unique Features: High elevation, trail connectors, and unique plant life
2. South Piedra Lisa Trail
For those hikers who want a slight challenge with equally rewarding views, the South Piedra Lisa Trail is an excellent choice. This 5.8-mile trail offers a moderate incline and sits between the Piedra Lisa North and Piedra Lisa South Trailheads.
The South Piedra Lisa Trail is a manageable challenge for most people, making it a popular route for both locals and visitors. However, there are some twists and turns, narrow trails, and rocky terrain, so you’ll need good footwear.
As you hike, you’ll get to soak in the panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains and the surrounding areas.
The trail is open from dawn to dusk and takes about 2.5 hours to complete.
Trail Information:
- Total Miles: 5.8 miles
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- Max Elevation: About 6,000 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
- Bike-Friendly: Yes
- Unique Features: Panoramic views of the mountains
3. Copper Trailhead Loop Trail
The Copper Trailhead is located in the Sandia Foothills Open Space and is an ideal starting point for those looking for a leisurely walking trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This 1.3-mile easy hike typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete and features eye-catching rock formations and panoramic views of Albuquerque. All in all, it’s a rewarding yet short hike.
It’s a relatively flat trail, so you won’t need any special hiking boots. The trail is open from November to March 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and April to October 7 a.m. to 9 p.m
Trail Information:
- Total Miles: 1.3 miles
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- Max Elevation: About 150 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, if leashed
- Bike-Friendly: Yes
- Unique Features: Fascinating rock formations
4. Paseo del Bosque Trail
The Paseo del Bosque Trail is 16 miles long and is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
This easy trail begins in the north at Alameda Boulevard and ends in the south at Rio Bravo Boulevard. It’s a popular trail choice for families and pet owners, as the trails are all paved. Plus, there are plenty of parking options and multiple access points.
This trail takes about two to five hours to complete. But since there are plenty of access points, you can branch off if you don’t want to do the full hike.
Yet another perk is that this trail is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Trail Information:
- Total Miles: 16 miles
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- Max Elevation: About 70 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
- Bike-Friendly: Yes
- Unique Features: Public art and river views
5. Travertine Falls Trail
The Travertine Falls Trail is a moderate hike that’s about a mile long and is located in the Sandia Mountain Wilderness of Cibola National Forest.
During the summer months, hikers can expect a steady trickle of water at Travertine Falls, adding to the scenic beauty of the trail. The falls are the perfect pitstop for relaxing and taking some beautiful pictures. You’ll also find some rock formations that hollow out into caves along the way.
This trail is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day and only takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Warning: The terrain is a little rocky, so watch your footing!
Trail Information:
- Total Miles: 1.2 miles
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- Max Elevation: About 230 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, if leashed
- Bike-Friendly: Yes
- Unique Features: Waterfall and caves
6. Petroglyph National Monument: Rinconada Canyon Trail
The Petroglyph National Monument is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This monument is home to over 24,000 petroglyphs spanning over 7,000 acres, which offer a glimpse into New Mexican history.
There are multiple trails within this monument park, and Rinconada Canyon Trail is just one trail option. If you’re a first-timer, it’s a short, 2.2-mile-long hike that takes you through the canyon and 300 petroglyphs. It is highly recommended that you bring binoculars with you for a better look at these ancient symbols.
The trail is rather flat and sandy, so it’s an easy hiking trail in Albuquerque and is a great option for new hikers or those who just want to sightsee. Mountain bikers cannot bike here, as they may ruin the petroglyphs. It takes 40 minutes to an hour to complete, and you can visit this trail daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Trail Information:
- Total Miles: 2.2 miles
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- Max Elevation: About 5,000 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
- Bike-Friendly: No
- Unique Features: Petroglyphs
7. Pino Trail
The Pino Trail is a moderate 4.7-mile hike that’s a great option for semi-experienced hikers. It falls into the moderate category due to steepness and rockiness, so you’ll need to be prepared with the right gear before jumping onto this trail.
You’ll find the beginning of the trail at the Elena Gallegos Open Space parking lot, and it ends at the Sandia Crest.
This hike has quite a bit of tree shade coverage–not to mention, breathtaking views of the Pino Canyon and Rio Grande Valley. Most people take three to five hours to complete the Pino Trail and it’s open from dawn to dusk daily.
Trail Information:
- Total Miles: 4.7 miles
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- Max Elevation: About 6,000 to 9,000 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, if leashed
- Bike-Friendly: Yes
- Unique Features: Pino Canyon and Rio Grande Valley views
8. Eye of Sandias Loop Trail
The Eye of Sandias Loop is a 4-mile trail that can be rather hard to navigate, as it isn’t marked very well. Due to spotty reception, you’ll want to have a map pre-downloaded.
This trail begins on the east side of Copper Avenue and starts with a steep and extremely rocky slope. Then from there, there is a mix of hills, requiring a lot of climbing and descending. It’s a great workout for your legs but can be a little too much for beginner hikers.
The Eye of Sandias Loop takes about two to three hours to complete, and it is open every day from dawn to dusk.
Trail Information:
- Total Miles: 4 miles
- Difficulty Rating: Hard
- Max Elevation: About 6,000 to 7,000 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, if leashed
- Bike-Friendly: Yes
- Unique Features: Rock formations resembling eyes
9. Otero Canyon Trail
The Otero Canyon Trail, located in the Tijeras section of the Cibola National Forest, offers a comfortable 4-mile hike even on warmer days. This trail is known for its shaded areas, which provide a break from the sun as you explore the rocky, forested canyon.
You can find the trail’s starting point at the Otero Canyon Trailhead parking lot, and it ends at the Kirtland Air Force Base. Just keep in mind that parking is limited in the dirt lot.
The trail is open from dawn to dusk every day and takes about an hour and a half to complete.
Trail Information:
- Total Miles: 4 miles
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate
- Max Elevation: About 7,000 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, if leashed
- Bike-Friendly: Yes
- Unique Features: Rocky shelf
Final Thoughts
Albuquerque’s hiking trails are a huge reason why many hikers and nature lovers visit New Mexico or even move there.
If you’re planning to move to Albuquerque, New Mexico, you may want to consider self-storage for all of your hiking gear and extra belongings. Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage and vehicle storage marketplace, can help you with this. Here, you’ll find self-storage options up to 50% cheaper than traditional options in any neighborhood within the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Most Challenging Trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico?
La Luz Trail is the most challenging hike in Albuquerque, known for its steep elevation gain and length, making it
What is the Most Beautiful Hike in Albuquerque, New Mexico?
Any trails located in the Sandia Foothills Open Space, including the Copper Trailhead Loop, are gorgeous options. You’ll get to see interesting rock formations, mountain views, and plenty of flora and fauna.
Can You Hike New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains?
Yes, you can hike and even camp in the Sandia Mountains. There are over 100 trails that weave through the Sandia Mountains, including the famous La Luz Trail (all of which require various skill levels).
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