Explore the most popular trail running trails near Albuquerque with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
I've done this hike a few times. it's really enjoyable but does make you work. the hardest part I think is hiking over the loose rocks and switch backs towards the end.
enjoy early in the morning.
Great hike! I’ve gone both directions and going down is harder in the joints. Very rewarding and challenging hike. Tops out at over 10k feet. I do this hike at least once a year! Takes a group of us five hours to go up.
The east part of the Rincon Spur Trail ends at the Knife Edge of the Shield (furthest waypoint on recording). This is 0.8 miles from the south Piedra Lisa Trail junction. You can hike and scramble with minimal climbing for about 2/10 of a mile up the Knife Edge to about 9000 ft elevation. After that you would be free climbing. Unmatched views, serious wind and a plenty steep enough trail await.
Good trail. Challenging yet enjoyable. I went counterclockwise which worked well as any rock scrambling is in the first half. Used the trail map with GPS on my phone and worked really well. Got off the trail a couple of times. Using map and GPS got me right back on track.
very scenic. Good views of Albuquerque area. lots of scramble but not dangerous. Go slow and enjoy!
A number of different tracks here between a stream and the Rio Grande. Choice of sand and paved trail. Excellent for running. Biking too.
Easily the best hike in the area! The views of the mountains are incredible.
great trail definite must do.
Nice trail some trails blocked off. Main trail is good
Hiked to the top of the volcano at Vulcans loop me and the dog. The last 600 yds or so could be tricky. Loose rocks and soil. Would be very tricky if it was rainy or muddy. Watch the weather. About 2.5 miles in. Bring water.
It could be marked a bit better at the several forks. Mostly should stay right.
Awesome trail!!! Tons of granite walls and boulders, some that you have to climb over. Lots of trees making shady tunnels to walk through. Pretty wild flowers sprinkled along with lots of other foliage. This was such fun to hike!!
*caution - do not try this trail if there is rain threatening. Some of the boulders we had to climb over were pretty slick when dry and would be impossible if wet. Also there were many narrow spots that would fill up quickly with rain.
Great day for la luz!
it was awesome great views
I hate switchbacks (around mile 7), but I’ve done this trail several times. Absolutely worth it!
Nice jaunt through the Sandia Foothills.
Beautiful but challenging trail. Started at the lower Tramway Trail so we were 5 Miles in when we met La Luz. I don’t advise that unless you are well prepared. The trail seems easy at the beginning but there are challenging elevated rocky areas to climb so wear appropriate boots. Take plenty of water (we did 6 liters and it was just right) and snacks. It needs so maintenance in some areas but that’s part of the fun. Don’t be shy about taking breaks! We did 23 Miles total between 4 trials and it took 7 hours.
A relaxing jaunt through the foothills.
Incredible hike. Started at 9am and the weather was comfortable the whole way up. Mountain provided plenty of shade. I actually split off at the end of the La Luz to go up to crest and think it was worth it. Had a nice lunch at the Cafe at the top and then took trail along the ridge over to the tram. Allowed me to knockout the stone cabin as well. Adds about 2 miles, but if you have the energy I'd recommend it.
Hiked this middle of September and enjoyed it very much! Great views! Distance out is about 2.2 miles and a little steep in places. Nice shade through the trees which is a must when it's 85+ degrees and sunny!
Perfect area for a morning walk. Arrived at 7:30 out by 9:15.
I only went halfway up but it was easy to stay on trail and find your way . I would recommend doing in the early morning as the first 2.5-3 miles of hiking is on the west side which is very sunny in the afternoon. Great for those wanting variety in elevation and not afraid to climb around rocks on switch backs.
I hoped to do some running, and wore street running shoes. Don’t do that. There is a bit of scrambling to do, and the rocks are smooth from use. I managed with diligence and careful route selection.
Went counterclockwise, but either way would work nicely.
A well maintained and marked trail. Definitely a moderate trail. It gets your heart rate up.
Tough trail but worth it
Fun trail, it was our first hiking experience and we did quite good. We did the trail clockwise, which we recommend if you are going to go all the circuit as the most difficult part is starting clockwise, once you get to the top, the rest is easy.
We saw a couple of deers just where the river starts, it was amazing.
The app is very useful, otherwise it can get very difficult and easily lost, however once you start hiking on the dry river, the map in the app is not very accurate, just follow the stream and it will take you out.
We started to hike at around 3pm and were done by 6:15. We found this a great time, yes it was hot at the beginning but by midway there were some areas where it got quite dark with no sunlight, and if starter later this part could have turned very dark.
Bring tons of water and be always alert as there is a lot of wildlife in the area.
Beautiful morning hike. Lots of flowers ever this late in the summer. Nice workout with the elevation. My dog really enjoyed it and all the other dog owners were very responsible. I only saw one poo
This is a very good trail and the plane wreckage near the end makes it quite unique. The first mile or so is completely exposed and rather gradual incline. As you get into the forest it gets quite steep and there are several spots where you have to scramble up some rocks. It’s easy to lose the trail and I got off track for a bit but managed to find my way back.
The wreckage is located almost directly below the tram cables so you will know when you are close. I was amazed at the site. It was truly a sobering experience to see and identify almost every part of the plane. It is a stark reminder of the fragility of life.
This trail is not for beginners with rapid elevation gain and rough terrain.
Great hike, some up and down, great views of the city and the mountains! Some shade, but a hat and water definitely needed.
fun trail to do with kids to take them out and enjoy being out on bikes. plenty to see if you like the bosque . only reminder I have for people is to remember the trail is on east side of river.