Category Archives: Sandias, East

In the vicinity of the east slopes of the Sandia Mountains, NM.

Cienega Canyon PG Connector-Faulty- Cienega Trails Hike – 09/05/2025

Returning to the Cienega Canyon area, that we “discovered” recently. ‘Tis close to home but has nice trails and with a a bit of elevation for cooler temperatures.

The Drive In

Proceed as though you are going to Sandia Crest – from the turn off of NM 14 onto Sandia Crest Road, in 1.7 miles turn left into the entrance to Doc Long & Cienega Canyon Picnic Grounds. Turn left immediately on Cienega Canyon Picnic Ground road; park at the end. (Names courtesy GAIA.)

The Hike

Cienega Canyon PG Connector-Faulty-Cienega Trails Hike.Pat.2025-09-05

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Seeking a hike different than Cienega Canyon Trails Hike – 08/08/2025 but in the same area, we turned to GAIA. We found an “unmaintained” trail that went from the Cienega Canyon Picnic Ground south to an intersection with the Faulty Trail, from which we could return to the Picnic Ground. This made a nice loop (always preferred to an out-and-back hike).

20250905_091442The “unmaintained trail” (I’ve dubbed it Canyon PG Connector) begins the ascent for this hike – an easy couple of hundred feed on a quite nice trail –20250905_111802 clearly it is used regularly. Like the trails in this area, it passes through a juniper/ponderosa/oak forest. Along the way we occasionally had glimpses of the San Pedro mountains to the east.

About a mile on we reached the intersection with the Faulty Trail and began the gentle climb from 7,400 feet to about 8,000 feet – another mile or so. This was mostly on an old two track and as a maintained trail was in good condition, good enough for mountain biking (judging from the tracks). From the 2-mile point into the hike, the trail was level for half a mile then … we were looking at a sheer rock wall and as we approached realized that it was on the other side of a Deep Canyon. We were momentarily puzzled – where to go from here – but then saw a trail going -down- the steep side of the canyon to the bottom and to intersect with the Cienega Trail (Faulty continues north for another 9 miles). The remainder of the hike was in this canyon, along the Cienega Trail then transitioning to the Acequia Trail back to parking. 

Statistics

Total Distance:  3.82 miles
Elevation: start 7,267 ft, maximum 7,877 ft,  minimum 7,246 ft
Gross gain: 631 ft.  Aggregate ascending 1,104 ft, descending 1,103 ft
Maximum slope: 32% ascending, 36% descending, 8.7% average
Duration: 3:20, Average Speed: 1.1 mph

GPS Track Files for Download
14 Downloads
18 Downloads
If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out  Using Google Earth Track Files.

Related Posts

Cienega Canyon Trails Hike – 08/08/2025

References and Resources

AllTrails: Cienega Trail #148
.                 Sulphur and Cienega Canyon Loop
Dog of the Desert: Loop Hikes of the Doc Long-SulphurCanyon-CIenega Canyon Area
.                                 Armijo Trail Loop in the Sandia Mountains
Forest Service: Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Trails
Southern New Mexico Explorer: Sandia Mountains Wilderness Loop Hike

Photos

Views to date: 5 views.

Cienega Canyon Trails Hike – 08/08/2025

In all the years that we’ve been hiking, we never checked out trails from the Doc Long and Cienega Canyon picnic areas near the base of the road to Sandia Crest. We’ve discovered them, and will be returning – to this trail and the others thereabouts.

The Drive In

As though you are going to Sandia Crest – from the turn off of NM 14 onto Sandia Crest Road, in 1.7 miles turn left into the entrance to Doc Long & Cienega Canyon Picnic Grounds. Turn left immediately on Cienega Canyon Picnic Ground road; park at the end. (Names courtesy GAIA.) 

The Hike

Cienega Canyon Trails Hike.Pat.08-08-2025

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

A very nice, easy set of trails through a juniper/ponderosa forest (with a few oaks, too). The first trail,  Acequia Trail (227), runs parallel to the left of a closed road (Armijo Trail Access Road) for half a mile, to a turnabout. From there we hiked for a quarter mile on the Armijo Trail (222), then turned left onto the  Valle Trail. Next, .3 miles later, we turned left again onto the Pine Drop Trail (224). It was then 3/4 mile to the point where Pine Drop Tee’d at the Armijo Trail (222). Turning right on Armijo, it was then 1.6 miles back to the Acequia Trail and half a mile to the trailhead. (All trail identification courtesy GAIA. Use this link to the hike in GAIA.)

The trail is well used (hike, bike, horseback) and in very good condition – wide and mostly smooth (a few area a bit rocky). Elevation changes are small and gradual. The trail is in open shade except on top of the hill, the  middle half of Pine Drop. 

Highlight

This hike is part of a set of trails that offer great opportunities to alternatives, including loops rather than out-and-back hikes. We had set out to do a loop around the Un Poquito Trail (241), starting at the end of the Armijo Trail Access Road . But we found upon arrival that the Road is closed so the Acequia Trail was added to the hike. . around the Un Poquito Trail (241) – we did not realize we couldn’t drive to the end of the Armijo Trail Access Road and Acequia became part of our hike. But there were trails that cut across the ‘loop’; in fact we opted to not continue onto Un Poquito Trail (241) as planned, but continued on Pine Drop to Armijo. 

Statistics

Total Distance:  3.09 miles
Elevation: start 7,239 ft, maximum 7,262 ft,  minimum 7,096 ft
Gross gain: 166 ft.  Aggregate ascending 724 ft, descending 723 ft
Maximum slope: 31% ascending, 26% descending, 6.9% average
Duration: 2:13, Average Speed: 1.4 mph, Shade: 90%

GPS Track Files for Download
25 Downloads
19 Downloads
If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out  Using Google Earth Track Files.

Related Posts

Our first hike hereabouts.

References and Resources

AllTrails: Cienega Trail #148
.                 Sulphur and Cienega Canyon Loop
Dog of the Desert: Loop Hikes of the Doc Long-SulphurCanyon-CIenega Canyon Area
.                                 Armijo Trail Loop in the Sandia Mountains
Forest Service: Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Trails
Southern New Mexico Explorer: Sandia Mountains Wilderness Loop Hike

Photos

Views to date: 22 views.

Tecolote Trail Hike – 07/11/2025

Pat & I are working ourselves back into hiking, after nearly a year off-trail, me with issues with stenosis. We’re rebuilding our hiking muscles with lots of walking along the Rio Grande (in the bosque) and getting out on a trail each week., each week a bit more challenging.

The Drive In

From downtown Albuquerque: east on I-40 to the Tijeras turnoff, then north on NM 14 through Cedar Crest to Antonito and the turnoff for NM 536, Sandia Crest Road (also known as the Sandia Scenic Highway). The Tecolote Trailhead is not far up the Crest Road: six miles from San Antonio/NM 14 to the Dry Camp Picnic Ground – parking and a pit toilet.  

The Hike

Tecolote Trail Hike.Pat.2025-07-11

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

We haven’t done much hiking on the east slopes of the Sandia Mountains. This trail fit our current criteria – reasonable length and elevation change.

  • The trail starts out with an easy climb (10% slope) from 8,620 to 8,820 feet in 2/3rd of a mile. It remains at that elevation for 1/3rd of a mile, then makes again an easy descent to the end of the ridge on which the trail is situated (another 1/3rd of a mile).  
  • Generally the trail is a smooth surface; there are a few sections that are a bit rocky.
  • The trail proceeds through a juniper and piñon “forest” (this type “forest” is never very tall) with some sections of oak bushes flanking the trail. Thus there isn’t a lot of shade, ‘tho the elevation of close to 9,000 moderates the summertime temperatures (but none-the-less we start early).
  • Midway on the ridge, we came across this interesting .. relic of some unknown activity?
  • At the end of the ridge, as the trail makes a small loop, one enjoys a great view of the territory east of the Sandias – the valley across to the San Pedro mountains and on the horizon to the northeast, the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

Highlight

It seems that on nearly all the trails on which we hike, there are flowers in blossom. And I’m invariably drawn to take photos and share them with readers of my Posts. So here are photos that I collected on this hike.

Statistics

Total Distance:  2.6 miles
Elevation: start 8,630 ft, maximum 8,831 ft,  minimum 8,629 ft
Gross gain: 202 ft.  Aggregate ascending 637 ft, descending 638 ft
Maximum slope: 47% ascending, 30% descending, 7.7% average
Duration: 3:12, Average Speed: 0.8 mph

GPS Track Files for Download
28 Downloads
21 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out  Using Google Earth Track Files.

References and Resources

AllTrails: Tecolote Trail
Dog of the Desert: Tecolote Trail in the Sandia Mountains

Views to date: 3 views.

Survey Trail Hike – 07/18/2025

Introduction

‘Tis summer in Albuquerque, and .. we seek cooler conditions for our hikes. It can can expect such temperatures up on the Sandia Mountains, and .. it was in the low 60s when we got to the trailhead (at ~10,000 feet elevation).

The Drive In

From another post for a hike up on the Sandia Mountains: From downtown Albuquerque: east on I-40 to the Tijeras turnoff, then north on NM 14 through Cedar Crest to Antonito and the turnoff for NM 536, Sandia Crest Road (also known as the Sandia Scenic Highway).  The Crest Road has many twists and turns, many at 20 mph to change direction by 180° or more. But that’s the way to get to 10,000 feet in 17 miles. There are numerous parking areas along the way – we chose to start our hike in the Ellis Lower Parking Lot. (Our Annual Pass had expired, so we found an envelope waiting for us. We paid the $5 “Amenity Fee” online.)

The Hike

Survey Trail Hike.Pat.2025-07-18

Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Survey Trail is a short distance from “the edge” of the Sandia Mountains. In the screenshot above, one can see that “edge” and the Rincon Ridge, separated from North Sandia Peak, in the upper right of the screen shot. And beyond the edge? Sandia Heights in the upper left. And the screenshot from Google Earth shows snow – that would be from a photo taken in winter – no snow on this July day (when the temperature for the hike was in the 60s and in the 90s down in the city).

From the parking lot, we opted to walk the short distance up the Crest Road to the Survey Trail  Trailhead. The trail was most inviting – a clean surface (for nearly all the way). In only a few places there were rock outcrops (including a couple that required -very brief- climbing). In many places there were green grasses and flowers alongside the trail; in other sections there was much downfall but always clear of the trail.

Highlight

Cool air! And a nice trail – a gentle trail with the right amount of elevation gain as we train for future hiking after nearly a year being off-trail. Oh – and a favorite of mine – wild flowers (see below).

Statistics

Total Distance:  3.22 miles
Elevation: start 10,271 ft, maximum 10,436 ft,  minimum 10,237 ft
Gross gain: 199 ft.  Aggregate ascending 847 ft, descending 847 ft
Maximum slope: 31% ascending, 28% descending, 8.4% average
Duration: 3:40, Average Speed: 0.9 mph

GPS Track Files for Download
26 Downloads
20 Downloads

If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out  Using Google Earth Track Files.

Related Posts

References and Resources

AllTrails – Survey and Ellis Trail Loop
                 – 10k and Survey Loop
ASCHG – Crest Trail – Survey Trail Loop
               – 10K – Osha Loop – Survey Hike
Dog of the Desert – North Crest Trail, North Sandia Peak, and Survey Trail
                                 – The delightful mess of trails below Crest House ..

Photos

Osha Spring Trail Hike – 08/31/2023

Back to Placitas to hike on another of the trails Jay and I have enjoyed. This one — Osha Spring Trail on the northeast corner of the Sandia Mountains.

The Drive In

The trailhead is on NM 165, the road that goes along the east side of the Sandia Mountains. One can get to the trailhead from the north or the south, but it is -very- rough especially from the south, from the Sandia Crest Highway NM 536. This road is not recommended for ‘city’ cars.

Thus I recommend – from the Bernalillo exit on I-25, take NM 165 eastbound through Placitas. The pavement ends at 9.3 miles where the road becomes very rough for 100 yards or so. Continue for two-tenths of a mile; after crossing a 2nd bridge look on the right for the start of the trail, a steep path up a short incline from the road. Turn around and park on the wider section of the road across from the trailhead. A few yards from the trailhead is a sign announcing the Osha Spring Trail.

The Hike

Osha Spring Trail Hike.Jay.2023-08-31
Notes about the Google Earth screenshot: the graph at the bottom shows elevation of the track (pink area) and speed (the blue line).

Much of the trail is in the open sun through juniper and scraggly piñon pine trees. The trail surface is over rocky and gravelly ground  (“ball bearing” Nancy calls it). Except for a few sections, it is a steady climb to make the 1,200 feet elevation gain in 2 miles. On the upper portion of our hike, above 7,000 feet, the ground gave way to dirt and even some pine needle cover now that we were above the altitude where ponderosa and healthy piñon pines abound.

In contrast with our prior hikes when we experienced “..chilly..” conditions and even snow, on this day the weather was -hot-, certainly in the high 80s. This made it difficult to apply the description from another of our prior hikes: “.. a nice trail, and easy..”. The beer when we stopped for lunch at the Cafe in Placitas was truly welcome.

Jay here: The memory does play tricks on us. I didn’t remember how much of a steady grade up this trail has…or I blocked that part out. We did make it further than our previous hikes, which was on the plus side. On the minus side, we also forgot that the return downhill on the rocks required lots of fancy footwork if you wanted to maintain an upright position. Someday we might actually get to the end of the trail, to the Lands End Mine. Or maybe it will always just beyond our physical endurance. Quien sabe?

Highlight

When there was an opening in the trees alongside the trail, or when looking back down the trail, there were some good views.

Statistics

Total Distance:  5.03 miles
Elevation: start  6,509 ft, maximum  7,801 ft,  minimum  6,501 ft
Gross gain:  1,300 ft.  Aggregate ascending  1,420 ft, descending  1,420 ft
Maximum slope: 29% ascending, 30% descending, 10.4% average
Duration: 3:25, Average Speed: 1.47 mph

GPS Track Files for Download
66 Downloads
64 Downloads
If you haven’t explored these hiking tracks with Google Earth, I urge you to try it. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the screenshot above. For some ideas, check out  Using Google Earth Track Files.

Related Posts

Other Hikes on Osha Spring Trail
Other Hikes Around Placitas

References and Resources

USDA Forest Service: Osha Spring Trail 247
AllTrails Osha Spring Trail
ASCHG: Osha Spring Trail
ondafringe: Day Hike: Osha Spring Trail

Sandia Crest North Trail – 10/09/2020

‘Tis autumn when the aspen forests “bloom” in bright yellow. The northwest slopes of North Sandia Peak have a large forest of aspen. Back in 2017 we hiked the North Crest Trail hoping to catch them in full glory – we were late. This year, we again attempted to see the spectacle – but again we were just a bit late. Next year .. ??

The Drive In

From downtown Albuquerque: east on I-40 to the Tijeras turnoff, then north on NM 14 through Cedar Crest to Antonito and the turnoff for NM 536, Sandia Crest Road (also known as the Sandia Scenic Highway).  The Crest Road has many twists and turns, many at 20 mph to change direction by 180° or more. But that’s the way to get to 10,000 feet in 17 miles. There is ample parking at the Sandia Crest House (‘tho a $3 “Amenity Fee” or an America the Beautiful Pass is required; our Senior Pass was sufficient).

The Hike

North Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-10-09

The trail begins at the north end of the parking lot by skirting the downhill (east) side of the radio antenna compound. A half mile along it follows along the edge of the Crest. We passed by the Ys in the trail (referred to in our hike earlier this year), intent on getting to the Del Agua Overlook and a view of aspen in full color. The trail descends almost all the way, from 10,645 ft to 9,950 ft at the Overlook. The surface is in places rocky (solid, not loose) and in other sections a dirt trail surface, often covered by aspen leaves that had fallen.

Along the way we could see aspen along the trail, some in bright color but many already turning “dirty yellow” or the leaves had already fallen. This did not bode well for the destination view. And … sure enough, most of the slope of North Sandia Peak was bare aspen, except of one section in the middle that still had some color.

After having lunch at the Overlook, we headed back in a mid-late afternoon sun. We took advantage of that light to enjoy some of the aspen along the trail that still had their leaves. They were so very bright against the clear blue New Mexico sky, almost like they were being lit from within. So we got a taste of aspen in the autumn.

Statistics

Total Distance:  4.37 miles
Elevation: start  10,642 ft, maximum  10,655 ft,  minimum 9,956 ft
Gross gain: 699 ft.  Aggregate ascending 1,261 ft, descending 1,263 ft
Maximum slope: 56% ascending, 58% descending, 9.6% average
Duration: 4:17

GPS Track Files for Download
91 Downloads
82 Downloads
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.

Previous Posts

North Crest Trail-North Sandia Peak Hike – 06/18/2020
North Crest Hike – 10/12/2017

References and Resources

USDA Forest Service:
    Crest Trail 130 – North & South
    Sandia Mountain Trails (PDF)
Sandia Peak.com:
    Sandia Crest Trails and Trailheads (PDF – brochure and great map)
AllTrails: North Crest Trail
Dog of the Desert: North Crest Trail, North Sandia Peak, and Survey Trail
ASCHG:
         Sandia Crest Trail North Hike
         Sandia Crest to del Agua Hike

 

South Crest Trail Hike – 09/04/2020

We are so fortunate to have the Sandia Mountains so close to Albuquerque. We can make it to a great hiking trail with 20 minutes, or in summertime an hour to the top of Sandia Peak (10,200 feet) and cooler weather.

The Hike

South Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-09-04

We’ve hiked on this trail many times in the past. Review the Previous Posts below for reports from other hikes.

Statistics

Total Distance:  4.08 miles
Elevation: start  10,628 ft, maximum  10,636 ft,  minimum 10,136ft
Gross gain: 500 ft.  Aggregate ascending 940 ft, descending 936 ft
Maximum slope: 38% ascending, 44% descending, 7.6% average
Duration: 3:56

GPS Track Files for Download
175 Downloads
70 Downloads
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.

Previous Posts

South Crest Trail Hike – 08/08/2020
South Crest Trail Hike – 07/09/2020
South Crest Trail Hike – 04/02/2017
10k-South Crest-10K Trails Hike – 07/24/2016
South Crest Trail Hike – 08/12/2014

South Crest Trail Hike – 08/08/2020

Another hike seeking cooler temperatures at a higher elevation – this time to Sandia Crest. And for this hike, we were joined by my brother who moved to Albuquerque a few weeks ago.

The Hike

South Crest Trail.PatGarth.2020-08-08

We parked at the Visitors Center, then headed south on the South Crest Trail as far as the Top of the Tram, then returned on the Gravel Pit Trail then Switch Back and Buried Cable trails back to the parking lot. A pleasant hike on well used trails. For more details, please see my earlier post, South Crest Trail Hike – 07/09/2020.

Statistics

Total Distance:  3.79 miles
Elevation: start  10,651 ft, maximum  10,655 ft,  minimum  10,276 ft
Gross gain:  379 ft.  Aggregate ascending  800 ft, descending  800 ft
Maximum slope: 48% ascending, 39% descending, 6.8% average
Duration: 5:03

GPS Track Files for Download
290 Downloads
71 Downloads
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.

Previous Posts:

South Crest Trail Hike – 07/09/2020 Crest Trail Hike – 8/22/2016

Survey-10K Trails Hike – 07/17/2020

Back to high elevation and cooler temperatures, this time trails on the east slopes below Sandia Crest. As for many of the hikes on east slopes, drive to Tijeras, north on NM 14 to Antonito, then up the Crest Highway. Eleven miles from Antonito, there are large parking lots on the left and right; the lot on the right for trails going north; on the left for trails going south.

The Hike

Survey-10K Trails Hike.Pat.2020-07-17
Trailhead for the Survey Trail.

We chose to go out via the Challenge and Switchback Trails, connecting to Survey Trail near the Ellis Trailhead parking lot. About 3 miles into the hike, at the intersection with the 10k trail, we turned left to go to the Del Agua Canyon Overlook. These are great trails – forest shade with a soft trail surface except a few sections that are rocky. The greatest elevation gain is in the first mile or so, from 9,900 to 10,400 feet. From there it is an easy downhill slope to the Del Agua Canyon Overlook.

Aspen on the north slope of North Sandia peak.

The views from the Overlook are great. To the left, nearly the whole north slope of North Sandia Peak is covered with aspen, very green this time of year but the color must be amazing in autumn. Ahead, a view of the big Del Agua Canyon. And to the right a the Rio Grande valley with the Jemez and Nacimiento Mountains in the distance. We stopped here for our first mid-hike break, then continued north on the North Crest Trail to enjoy more of the great views from rocky points at the edge of the Crest. At the intersection with the Ellis Trail, we turned south, then briefly onto the Osha Loop trail until the intersection with 10k which we then took 10k Trailhead.

Like Survey, 10k is forest shade and mostly a nice trail surface. From the Osha Loop Trail it descends 300 feet, then back up to 10,000 (hence its name, 10k). After our customary 2nd break for the remainder of our lunch, we continued to the Trailhead. This is another great hike in summertime.

Satistics

Total Distance:  6.66 miles
Elevation: start  9,972 ft, maximum  10,440 ft,  minimum  9,652 ft
Gross gain:  320 ft.  Aggregate ascending  1,930 ft, descending  1,932 ft
Maximum slope: 39% ascending, 44% descending, 9.6% average
Duration: 6:20

GPS Track Files for Download
81 Downloads
329 Downloads
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.

References and Resources

USDA Forest Service: 10k Trailhead and 10K Trail 200
AllTrails: 10K and Survey Loop
Dog of the Desert: 10K Trail north from the Crest Highway
Meetup, Albuquerque Singles:
      Saturday Morning East Sandia Mountain 10K – Survey Loop Hike

South Crest Trail Hike – 07/09/2020

This time of year in New Mexico we repair to higher elevations and cooler temperatures for our outdoor activities. We’re so fortunate to have options – mountains all around, choices of destinations for each, all within an hour or two drive. Staying closer to home on this day, we chose to become better acquainted with the Sandia Mountains, in particular the forested east slopes and .. shade from the high-elevation sunlight at 10,000 feet.

The Drive In

From downtown Albuquerque: east on I-40 to the Tijeras turnoff, then north on NM 14 through Cedar Crest to Antonito and the turnoff for NM 536, Sandia Crest Road (also known as the Sandia Scenic Highway). By this point we’re at 6,900 feet elevation and already noticing a drop in air temperature. The Crest Road has many twists and turns, many at 20 mph to change direction by 180° or more. But that’s the way to get to 10,000 feet in 17 miles. And on The Crest – the temperature will stay below 80 all day.  There is ample parking at the Sandia Crest (‘tho a $3 “Amenity Fee” or an America the Beautiful Pass is required; our Senior Pass was sufficient).

The Hike

South Crest Trail Hike.Pat.2020-07-10

The trailhead is at the south end of the parking area, below to the east of the Crest House. The trail begins with the Crest House Nature Trail, a half mile loop filled with flowers and trees, and with signage that provides truly great descriptions. (I’ve put most of the signs in the Gallery below for my study and your perusing pleasure.) The view across Albuquerque and up and down the Rio Grande valley is stunning (from this sheer cliffside vantage point). In the 11 years that we’ve been in Albuquerque, we’ve been unaware of this true gem; it will be on our list of places to bring visitors, to get a (thorough) glimpse of what New Mexico has to offer.

The western leg of the Nature Trail loop (also Crest Trail #130) runs near the edge of the cliff that forms the top of the Crest (in some sections at the edge). In a couple of places a bit of “scramble” over rocks is required. 

Approaching Kiwanis Cabin.

At the turnback point of the Nature Trail loop, rather than follow the South Crest Trail, we proceeded south along a track that continued to follow the edge of the Crest. This brought us to a large open area at the far end of which was the Kiwanis Cabin. After surveying the Cabin, we headed downhill to rejoin Crest Trail #130 and continue south with occasional diversions up to the edge to take in the view.

Skirting the Upper Tram Terminal and the lifts of the Sandia Peak Ski Area we continued south on the South Crest Trail for another half mile. When the trail began descending, we turned around, content with a good 5 mile hike. On the return we found ourselves on the Gravel Pit Trail (#339) running  below but parallel to the South Crest Trail. It is much more a forest trail with a wide variety of plant life. After one significant ascent of some 180 feet, it was an easy hike back to the trailhead.

Highlight – Lunch at Ten 3

The highlight on this hike was reaching the Top of the Tram and the new Ten 3 restaurant. As we approached, we met Benny Abruzo, one of the owners of Ten 3; in conversation with him we learned that the restaurant would be open at 1100 (with restrictions due to Covid-19), and that we could dine in or take out. We chose takeout: the “Classic Ahi Tuna Salad” was superb and the desert cupcake was to die for. What an unexpected treat, to be hiking in the woods and enjoy such a delectable lunch; we left our usual Ramen and PB&J/carrots/apple slices in the pack.  

 

Statistics

Total Distance:  4.62 miles
Elevation: start 10,635 ft, maximum 10,648 ft,  minimum 10,142 ft
Gross gain:  506 ft.  Aggregate ascending  1,311 ft, descending  1,308 ft
Maximum slope: 45% ascending, 42% descending, 8.3% average
Duration: 6:02

GPS Track Files for Download
97 Downloads
247 Downloads
I urge you to explore our hiking tracks with Google Earth. With the virtual 3-dimensional presentation, achieved by panning and tilting the view, you can get a much better idea of the hikes and terrain than you can get from the 2-dimensional screenshot above. For assistance: Using Google Earth Track Files.

References and Resources

Note: The Crest Trail runs the length of the Sandia Mountains. Some of the references below cover the whole distance.
USDA Forest Service:
    Crest Trail 130 – North & South
    Sandia Mountain Trails (PDF)
    Kiwanis Cabin Interpretive Site
Sandia Peak.com: Sandia Crest Trails and Trailheads (PDF – brochure and great map)
AllTrails:
   South Crest Trail
   Kiwanis Cabin via South Crest Trail
   Kiwanis Cabin via South Crest #130 and Gravel Pit #339 Loop (from Top of the Tram)
SummitPost: Sandia Crest Trail
UNM LoboLife: Kiwanis Cabin
Ten 3: An Elevated Dining Experience
Facebook: Ten 3

Photos

To help envision where the photos were taken, the two Galleries, George’s Photos & Pat’s Photos, are in the order in which we encountered them on the hike.