When it's warm in Albuquerque, it's always a little bit cooler in the mountains. There are plenty of hard core hiking spots to go around, but there are also some easy going gems that deliver the visual goods without a knock down workout. These trails are family affairs. Pack up the kids. Take the dog. Carry plenty of liquids.

Getting There

1. Take I-40 (or even better, Route 66) east into the Sandia mountains. Go until you hit Tijeras. Take 337 going south.

2. Stop at the Sandia Ranger Station if it is open. It will be on your left. Pick up a trail map for the Cedro Creek Nature Trail. The trail has a series of numbered markers. This map will give the corresponding details.

3. Head on down 337. Pass Tunnel Canyon and keep going. Look for the Otero Canyon sign. Pull off and park.

4. Walk down the short hill and look for the Cedro Creek trail sign just to your left. Get hiking!

The Trail

Aim for a morning or late afternoon hike to take advantage of shade opportunities. There are a few short and minor climbs. Most active kids won't have trouble with these. Dogs are allowed on leash. Look for the wildlife and wildflowers as you go. On our last stroll out there we saw a woodpecker, swallowtail butterflies and flowers ranging from wild roses to Indian Paintbrush. There is a small stream going along most of the trail.

The two wide open flat stone areas below sharp bluffs are great places to sit for a snack or picnic near the stream. The rock walls above and chunks of stone are impressive. These walls also bear the scars of graffiti -some modern and some dating back many decades.

The trail is about a mile and half with a clearly marked turn around point. If you want to continue on a little bit, you'll hit a popular climbing area. Keep an eye out for people hanging from hooks and ropes.

This entire area used to be underwater many a long year ago. That means plenty of opportunities for fossil finding. Check out those chunks of rock you pass by and look for impressions of shells and other sea life. All of these features will keep kids plenty busy for an afternoon, but adults will enjoy the hike just as much. It's the Pixar movie of trails. The only downside is the trail's relative proximity to 337. You'll hear the cars go by, but there are enough secluded spots along the way to imagine you are out on a grand nature adventure.