Life, food, events, and community in Albuquerque, NM

New Mexico Day Hikes - where do you recommend?

My brain gets numb watching the tv at the gym after about a half hour on the treadmill, but get me outside, and I can walk for hours. And if I'm in the foothills, I definitely burn more calories!

This past weekend we hiked the Catwalk just outside of Silver City and explored City of Rocks. The Catwalk was beautiful but not very strenuous hiking. The City of Rocks wasn't much of hike, but the kids sure enjoyed climbing around on the rocks.

Around here, I can get a pretty good hike in going up Elena Gallegos, but so far I'm too out of shape to make it much more than an hour into the trail before turning around. I used to hike the La Luz but need to work back up to it.

So, what are your recommendations for some nice, vigorous hikes that only take a couple of hours?

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Permalink Reply by Doug R on September 8, 2008 at 7:48am: I found this link by doing a search in Google. I'm not sure if these are good hikes but look at the suggestions.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lisa on September 8, 2008 at 5:17pm: Thanks, Doug.

That's a great link!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Doug R on September 10, 2008 at 3:39pm: Glad it helped!

Uh oh.....now you're obligated to tell us all about it when you go out. Good luck and be safe.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Imagination Included Photography on September 22, 2008 at 2:20pm: This summer my wife, me, and our dog hiked about 3/4 of the Piedra Lisa Trail. This trail goes from the la luz trail head to Placitas. The only thing that stopped us was we didnt want to get to Placitas and then wimp out.

The hardest portion of the trail is the begining. I think you gain almost all of the elevation in the first 3 miles (starting in ABQ). One on the saddle, the views of ABQ, Jemez, and Placitas is just awesome.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Johnny_Mango on September 28, 2008 at 11:11am: This time of year try the Cerro Blanco trail south of 4th of July CG. Take south 14 (or whatever it's called now) to Tajique; turn right at the graveyard; follow it past 4th of July canyon. There is a sign for the trailhead on the right, but 100 yards further south is a parking area on the left.

The trail climbs to the top of the Manzanos through the same kinds of fall colors that gave 4th of July trail its name...but with way fewer hikers. This is a wonderful hike with outstanding views and a good chance for solitude. It is of moderate difficulty, and only maybe 3 or 4 miles out and back. Take a snack or lunch for the summit.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Imagination Included Photography on October 1, 2008 at 10:27am: Is this trail open still? I know the fire last year went right through that area.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brian on December 2, 2008 at 12:34pm: Most likely not. The only trails that are open are those starting at Red Canyon. There is a nice 7 mile loop to the crest that can be done there. Red Canyon is west of the town of Manzano.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Emily Redondo on October 21, 2008 at 3:15pm: My favorite is going up to the Volcanoes.
I think it's about 3 miles and always beautiful.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Judy on October 25, 2008 at 4:57pm: My new fave is Ball Ranch, aka: Hike 25 in the 60 Hikes Albuquerque book.

Another good source: Albuquerque's Hiking meetup group.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Snehal on December 2, 2008 at 9:07am: Hi. not sure about the vigorous part, but tent rocks near the cochiti pueblo makes for a really fun little hike. [Take the longer trail] You pass through a slot canyon and go right up the really quirky tent rocks. If you get an early start, you can enjoy the sunshine and delicious views all to yourself. I also have enjoyed taking a nap at the top!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brian on December 2, 2008 at 12:40pm: Most of the trails into the Sandias on the west side can be hiked as one way hikes for as long as you like, or at least until you reach the snow. My favorite is probably Embudito, which starts near Glenwood Hills north of Montgomery. There are also a number of nice loops in the foothills between Copper and Indian School.; ▶ Reply to This