Albuquerque
Location: 35.1345291137695, -106.473266601562
©Bill Velasquez
EMB001
Location: 35.1301307678223, -106.496696472168
Walk E up Montgomery Blvd. In .4 mi., turn L onto Glenwood Hills Dr. In .4 mi., R @ Y onto Trailhead Rd.; go E to gated lot
EMB002
Location: 35.1363105773926, -106.481903076172
Head SE on Embudito Trail. In .2 mi., begin mellow climb N above arroyo (a dry, sandy drainage); ignore side paths into arroyo; yellow chamisa and prickly pear dot terrain
Embudito Trail Sign
Location: 35.1360931396484, -106.481399536133
©Bill Velasquez
EMT003
Location: 35.1344604492188, -106.47380065918
Wind above seasonal creek along piñon foothills; continue E around rock outcropping. City views emerge with elevation
EMT004
Location: 35.1340293884277, -106.45760345459
Cross dry streambed; pick up trail by faded wooden sign
EMT005
Location: 35.1312599182129, -106.45580291748
Meander SE, passing seasonal springs
EMT006
Location: 35.1239585876465, -106.445297241211
Trail curves S
EMT007
Location: 35.1176795959473, -106.443199157715
Oso Pass: Turn L @ 4-way with Three Gun Springs Trail and unmarked Whitewash Trail; gaps in trees reveal rugged Sandia ridgelines to N. Good turnaround pt.
EMT008
Location: 35.1154098510742, -106.433403015137
Continue SE; views expose forested slopes and granite spires
EMT009
Location: 35.1116790771484, -106.428398132324
Head S through low, scratchy brush
EMT010
Location: 35.1110382080078, -106.427101135254
Turn L (N) onto South Crest Trail; look behind you for Manzano Mtns.
EMT011
Location: 35.1164207458496, -106.428001403809
Bear L @ Y onto unmarked trail, head NW through clearing
EMT012
Location: 35.1204986572266, -106.430702209473
S. Sandia Peak (9,782 ft.): Note tramway to N. Return to bus stop
More South Peak Views
Location: 35.1214942932129, -106.43041229248
©Bill Velasquez
South Peak Views
Location: 35.1205558776856, -106.430725097656
©Bill Velasquez
View of Manzano Mountains
Location: 35.1113815307617, -106.42707824707
©Bill Velasquez
Views to the North
Location: 35.1184730529785, -106.444175720215
©Bill Velasquez
3 gun wilderne
Location: 35.0826683044434, -106.443618774414
3 gun spring t
Location: 35.0968017578125, -106.440467834473
3 gun spring t
Location: 35.0968017578125, -106.440467834473
3 gun wilderne
Location: 35.0826683044434, -106.443618774414
CCC route / up
Location: 35.0989151000977, -106.405830383301
barts trail /
Location: 35.1416664123535, -106.390083312988
barts trail /
Location: 35.1416664123535, -106.390083312988
EMT012
Location: 35.1204986572266, -106.430702209473
S. Sandia Peak (9,782 ft.): Note tramway to N. Return to bus stop
EMT009
Location: 35.1116790771484, -106.428398132324
Head S through low, scratchy brush
EMT010
Location: 35.1110382080078, -106.427101135254
Turn L (N) onto South Crest Trail; look behind you for Manzano Mtns.
EMT011
Location: 35.1164207458496, -106.428001403809
Bear L @ Y onto unmarked trail, head NW through clearing
3 gun spring
Location: 35.0764503479004, -106.444152832031
3 gun spring
Location: 35.0764503479004, -106.444152832031
EMT008
Location: 35.1154098510742, -106.433403015137
Continue SE; views expose forested slopes and granite spires
CCC route / up
Location: 35.0989151000977, -106.405830383301
crest trail /
Location: 35.1970329284668, -106.434814453125
crest trail /
Location: 35.1970329284668, -106.434814453125
crest spur/ la
Location: 35.2046012878418, -106.434814453125
crest trail/ k
Location: 35.207218170166, -106.444351196289
embudo /trail
Location: 35.0990676879883, -106.471633911133
Albuquerque
embudo /trail
Location: 35.0990676879883, -106.471633911133
Albuquerque
crest trail/ k
Location: 35.207218170166, -106.444351196289
crest parking
Location: 35.2113151550293, -106.44930267334
cole spring /f
Location: 35.134349822998, -106.391136169434
cole spring /f
Location: 35.134349822998, -106.391136169434
crest parking
Location: 35.2113151550293, -106.44930267334
crest spur/ la
Location: 35.2046012878418, -106.434814453125
crest spur (no
Location: 35.2094993591309, -106.448684692383
crest spur (no
Location: 35.2094993591309, -106.448684692383
PLT007
Location: 35.2382316589356, -106.477798461914
On R, rock climbers work the cruxes on The Shield and other crags of North Sandia Peak
SCN011
Location: 35.2626419067383, -106.441047668457
The trail drops through low cover along a wide open slope with magnificent views of the folds in the crest to the north.
EMB011
Location: 35.1139106750488, -106.46849822998
Fisheye views of Albuquerque and the Sandia Mtns.; carefully proceed SW on steep, poorly defined trail
EMB010
Location: 35.1162605285644, -106.467796325684
Don’t miss turn: Go L @ Y onto Whitewash Trail; descend SW back into desert
EMB004
Location: 35.0952606201172, -106.465599060059
Stay parallel to, but above, seasonal creekbed and Embudo Spring
PLT008
Location: 35.2445983886719, -106.475303649902
Reach the ridge. Continue R (E) on Rincon Spur
PLT006
Location: 35.2316589355469, -106.48030090332
Just SE around rock bench under large pile of rocks is a green ammo box of geocache goodies
PLT003
Location: 35.2297286987305, -106.480903625488
Quick descent into parched streambed shaded by piñon and juniper
SCS003
Location: 35.0974502563477, -106.397201538086
Stay on Crest Trail 130 @ junction with Faulty Trail. Ahead, switchbacks lead west up ridge overlooking Hondo Canyon.
NCS009
Location: 35.2360191345215, -106.449096679688
Stay straight on Survey Trail @ 4-way with 10K Trail
PLT010
Location: 35.2469711303711, -106.478500366211
This easier-to-find cache is tucked between rocks just S of large fire pit. Take in more views, then return to trailhead
NCS010
Location: 35.217700958252, -106.447898864746
Continue S traverse on flat, shaded trail
PLT005
Location: 35.2299880981445, -106.476501464844
Hiking stops @ small pourover-usually dry, but a cool spot when creek runs and waterfall burbles. Backtrack to WPT 4, then head NW toward tilted rock slabs
Looking down at Embudo
Location: 35.1040458679199, -106.442039489746
A winding view down Embudo Canyon
© Bill Velasquez
TKT004
Location: 35.2373046875, -106.448402404785
Catch views of Sandia Mountains on the Cañon del Agua overlook; swing S onto North Crest Trail
Trail #365 marker
Location: 35.1034660339356, -106.48641204834
Hiking SE toward the arid plains on the outskirts of Albuquerque
© Bill Velasquez
South Peak Views
Location: 35.1205558776856, -106.430725097656
©Bill Velasquez
More South Peak Views
Location: 35.1214942932129, -106.43041229248
©Bill Velasquez
EMT006
Location: 35.1239585876465, -106.445297241211
Trail curves S
EMT003
Location: 35.1344604492188, -106.47380065918
Wind above seasonal creek along piñon foothills; continue E around rock outcropping. City views emerge with elevation
Lunch Views 2
Location: 35.1180648803711, -106.44344329834
Oso Pass
© Bill Velasquez
ESL007
Location: 35.1615905761719, -106.463401794434
L @ T onto Trail #342; you may spot the elusive cougar traveling through a scrubby drainage
ESL009
Location: 35.1537818908691, -106.469497680664
R @ T; continue on Trail #305A over soapweed yucca
View of Manzano Mountains
Location: 35.1113815307617, -106.42707824707
©Bill Velasquez
Albuquerque
Location: 35.1345291137695, -106.473266601562
©Bill Velasquez
EMB002
Location: 35.097339630127, -106.472396850586
Straight under power lines, hiking the Horse Bypass S between spiny yucca and scrubby oak
EMB001
Location: 35.1301307678223, -106.496696472168
Walk E up Montgomery Blvd. In .4 mi., turn L onto Glenwood Hills Dr. In .4 mi., R @ Y onto Trailhead Rd.; go E to gated lot
EMB002
Location: 35.1363105773926, -106.481903076172
Head SE on Embudito Trail. In .2 mi., begin mellow climb N above arroyo (a dry, sandy drainage); ignore side paths into arroyo; yellow chamisa and prickly pear dot terrain
Views to the North
Location: 35.1184730529785, -106.444175720215
©Bill Velasquez
Embudito Trail Sign
Location: 35.1360931396484, -106.481399536133
©Bill Velasquez
embudo parking
Location: 35.099048614502, -106.480003356934
south crest ri
Location: 35.094783782959, -106.428230285645
south crest pa
Location: 35.0895500183106, -106.391563415527
Albuquerque
south crest pa
Location: 35.0895500183106, -106.391563415527
Albuquerque
south crest ri
Location: 35.094783782959, -106.428230285645
south crest/ e
Location: 35.1110992431641, -106.427116394043
south crest tr
Location: 35.1907997131348, -106.429016113281
south crest tr
Location: 35.1907997131348, -106.429016113281
south crest 2
Location: 35.0985984802246, -106.40599822998
south crest 2
Location: 35.0985984802246, -106.40599822998
south crest 1
Location: 35.0949325561523, -106.392883300781
south crest /
Location: 35.097484588623, -106.397201538086
south crest /C
Location: 35.1118507385254, -106.426864624023
south crest /C
Location: 35.1118507385254, -106.426864624023
south crest /
Location: 35.097484588623, -106.397201538086
south crest/ e
Location: 35.1110992431641, -106.427116394043
white wash wp1
Location: 35.1169815063477, -106.465400695801
white wash wp1
Location: 35.1169815063477, -106.465400695801
upper/lower fa
Location: 35.1119499206543, -106.397933959961
white wash wp3
Location: 35.1139335632324, -106.468482971191
whitewash wp2
Location: 35.1163330078125, -106.467781066895
whitewash wp2
Location: 35.1163330078125, -106.467781066895
white wash wp3
Location: 35.1139335632324, -106.468482971191
Tfalls
Location: 35.0952682495117, -106.393737792969
18-MAY-08 9:58:15AM
south crest/ s
Location: 35.0994148254394, -106.425750732422
south crest/ s
Location: 35.0994148254394, -106.425750732422
Tfalls
Location: 35.0952682495117, -106.393737792969
18-MAY-08 9:58:15AM
upper/lower fa
Location: 35.1119499206543, -106.397933959961
upper faulty t
Location: 35.0985984802246, -106.40599822998
upper faulty t
Location: 35.0985984802246, -106.40599822998
south crest 1
Location: 35.0949325561523, -106.392883300781
embudo/ 3 gun
Location: 35.1034317016602, -106.442596435547
embudo wp4
Location: 35.1015014648438, -106.447982788086
embudo wp4
Location: 35.1015014648438, -106.447982788086
embudo/ 3 gun
Location: 35.1034317016602, -106.442596435547
end forest par
Location: 35.1165161132812, -106.383018493652
embudo/ post p
Location: 35.0998344421387, -106.445587158203
Albuquerque
embudo/ post p
Location: 35.0998344421387, -106.445587158203
Albuquerque
embudo wp1
Location: 35.0966682434082, -106.464653015137
embudo wp1
Location: 35.0966682434082, -106.464653015137
embudo parking
Location: 35.099048614502, -106.480003356934
embudo wp2
Location: 35.0961990356445, -106.459533691406
embudo wp3
Location: 35.0960159301758, -106.459266662598
embudo wp3
Location: 35.0960159301758, -106.459266662598
embudo wp2
Location: 35.0961990356445, -106.459533691406
end forest par
Location: 35.1165161132812, -106.383018493652
oso pass
Location: 35.117748260498, -106.443267822266
oso pass
Location: 35.117748260498, -106.443267822266
menaul parking
Location: 35.1050148010254, -106.488334655762
post pass (app
Location: 35.0957336425781, -106.446983337402
south 10k/ tre
Location: 35.1872673034668, -106.420936584473
south 10k/ tre
Location: 35.1872673034668, -106.420936584473
post pass (app
Location: 35.0957336425781, -106.446983337402
kiwanis cabin
Location: 35.2034339904785, -106.443229675293
forest park/fa
Location: 35.1223983764648, -106.397964477539
forest park/fa
Location: 35.1223983764648, -106.397964477539
kiwanis cabin
Location: 35.2034339904785, -106.443229675293
menaul parking
Location: 35.1050148010254, -106.488334655762
lower faulty t
Location: 35.097484588623, -106.397201538086
lower faulty t
Location: 35.097484588623, -106.397201538086
Small waterfall
Location: 35.2303428649902, -106.476715087891
©Bill Velasquez
NMT007
Location: 35.2154388427734, -106.387802124023
Cross seasonal creek in Cañon Madera ("wood canyon"); ascent ahead
NMT001
Location: 35.1814308166504, -106.377098083496
Head N in pungent coniferous forest on Faulty Trail (locally known as North Mystery Trail, because no one knows who built it); diamond blazes carved into tree trunks mark way
TKT007
Location: 35.2235870361328, -106.450950622559
Continue on rim; nice views to W; look for raptors surfing thermals
Aspen Groves
Location: 35.2491683959961, -106.450958251953
Looking south to the top of the crest, lush aspen groves remind you that a fall hike on the Sandia Crest Trail is in order.
PCC008
Location: 35.1690864562988, -106.414482116699
Turn R onto South Crest Trail
PCC007
Location: 35.1705741882324, -106.419731140137
Lung-burning climb up abrupt switchbacks
NMT002
Location: 35.1877593994141, -106.377899169922
L @ T on saddle; go W, then SW for ascent on diamond-blazed trail
PCC001
Location: 35.1635093688965, -106.469734191895
Head E, bisecting picnic area and crossing dry, deep gulches
TKT003
Location: 35.2344703674316, -106.447082519531
Ruts of an abandoned highway project, now called Cross Ellis Trail; continue straight
EMB006
Location: 35.1035118103027, -106.442497253418
Embudo Trail ends, veer NE on Three-Gun Spring Trail, breaking for S views of the crinkly, gray Manzano Mtns.
Views to the East
Location: 35.2615013122559, -106.444183349609
Canyons and more peaks grace the eastern horizon from the North Crest Trail.
SCN008
Location: 35.2410888671875, -106.450401306152
Keep straight @ 3-way junction with Osha Loop Trail.
3 Gun Spring Trail Marker
Location: 35.1033020019531, -106.443283081055
Wooden post marking Three Gun Spring Trail
© Bill Velasquez
Looking South
Location: 35.1086616516113, -106.439407348633
An exceptional view to the south
© Bill Velasquez
EMB005
Location: 35.0999221801758, -106.445426940918
Climb a few tight switchbacks to 180° views of Embudo Canyon and the S. Sandia Mtns., a raptor migration route
TKT009
Location: 35.2112274169922, -106.445434570312
Radio towers line Sandia Crest; return 1.2 miles back to parking lot
Looking down at Embudo
Location: 35.1040458679199, -106.442039489746
A winding view down Embudo Canyon
© Bill Velasquez
HB sign #2
Location: 35.0944786071777, -106.471900939941
Hiking past the Horse Bypass route marker
© Bill Velasquez
ESL001
Location: 35.1617584228516, -106.469802856445
S From S end of parking lot, head S on Trail #366 through 640-acre piñon-juniper habitat
SCS002
Location: 35.095100402832, -106.392997741699
Trail passes above Travertine Falls, a picture-perfect waterfall.
NCS006
Location: 35.2376403808594, -106.449699401855
Keep straight @ 3-way with 10K Trail. In 150 ft., overlook reveals the rugged face of N. Sandia Pk. rising behind forested slopes
Distant City Views
Location: 35.1356506347656, -106.41862487793
Horny Toad
Location: 35.2814636230469, -106.436050415039
Although the Sandia Crest Trail crosses several ecological zones, reminders of the desert are never far away.
NMT008
Location: 35.2225685119629, -106.386337280273
Trail cuts L (W) on small saddle
3 Gun Spring Trail Marker
Location: 35.1033020019531, -106.443283081055
Wooden post marking Three Gun Spring Trail
© Bill Velasquez
SCS006
Location: 35.1110000610352, -106.427101135254
Continue straight on Crest Trail. Embudito Trail descends steeply down the west side of the mountain as the trail crosses a clearing; South Sandia Peak looms to the north.
PCC006
Location: 35.1678886413574, -106.42121887207
Small waterfall during high water
PCC003
Location: 35.1656150817871, -106.454605102539
Sandia Mountain Wilderness boundary
PCC010
Location: 35.1518402099609, -106.414199829102
Junction with Canoncito Trail; return the same way to trailhead
PCC009
Location: 35.1601448059082, -106.41414642334
Hike follows dramatic ridgeline between Sandia Crest and South Peak
PCC004
Location: 35.1666793823242, -106.444129943848
Trail roughly follows Pino Creek; stay on S side
Advanced hikers' option: Ditch the main trail and explore faint, rugged routes N of the main creek bed
NCS005
Location: 35.2331657409668, -106.451736450195
Traverse E slopes of N. Sandia Pk.
PCC002
Location: 35.1641311645508, -106.464111328125
Stay straight, crossing gulches amid a cactus landscape
PCC005
Location: 35.1686592102051, -106.43537902832
Ecosystem transitions from high desert to fir forest
EMB003
Location: 35.0944709777832, -106.472297668457
Swing E; enter 37,000-acre Sandia Mtn. Wilderness, designated ’78
NMT006
Location: 35.2131118774414, -106.386596679688
Trail passes under power line, then briefly veers W
NMT010
Location: 35.2276344299316, -106.399490356445
Emerge at Lagunita Seca ("small dry lake"), golden meadow beneath Palomas Peak; retrace route. Peakbaggers: To add 8,685-ft. summit, go W for 500 ft. to T with Palomas Cliffs Trail; turn R; follow .5 mi. to Palomas Peak
Legunita Seca
Location: 35.227668762207, -106.3994140625
©Bill Velasquez
ESL006
Location: 35.1650390625, -106.45719909668
Continue on #341 SW; visible USFS trail up Pino Trail
SCN012
Location: 35.2908782958984, -106.438697814941
As you descend through loose rock, keep an eye out for fossils and horny toads.
EMB002
Location: 35.097339630127, -106.472396850586
Straight under power lines, hiking the Horse Bypass S between spiny yucca and scrubby oak
SCS007
Location: 35.1436614990234, -106.414001464844
Continue straight @ 3-way where trail intersects Barts Trail; wind through thick groves of quaking aspen.
SCN010
Location: 35.2614288330078, -106.44425201416
Trail gently curves to the east, then north; there are good views across the canyons of peaks to the east.
Trail Views
Location: 35.1877593994141, -106.382545471191
©Bill Velasquez
SCN006
Location: 35.2166786193848, -106.450798034668
Crowds thin as the trail winds north through fir, pine, and spruce trees (away from the area accessible by vehicle). Begin gradual descent to North Crest trailhead.
SCN003
Location: 35.206901550293, -106.443901062012
Keep straight, heading northwest @ 3-way junction; trail on left detours to the Kiwanis House.
SCN001
Location: 35.197078704834, -106.434898376465
From the top of the tram, head north-northwest on the Crest Trail. The braided trails that lead from the restaurant to the Crest House can be confusing to follow. Stay on the Crest Trail, No. 130.
TKT008
Location: 35.2169456481934, -106.449714660645
Turn L onto NM 536
NMT003
Location: 35.1878814697266, -106.382499694824
Climb steepens as NE views open up for the first time; catch glimpse of forested hills dropping down to expansive valley
TKT005
Location: 35.2327270507812, -106.451179504395
Turn R onto unmarked spur trail
TKT006
Location: 35.2348327636719, -106.455833435059
North Sandia Peak (10,447 ft.); return to North Crest
Mariposa Flower
Location: 35.1072845458984, -106.426116943359
SCN005
Location: 35.211238861084, -106.44930267334
Cross Crest Hwy. and skirt the east boundary of a fenced radio yard. Head north.
EMB008
Location: 35.1142616271973, -106.443901062012
Continue climbing N through shady relief
EMB009
Location: 35.1178092956543, -106.443099975586
Oso Pass: Turn L @ 4-way onto unmarked Whitewash Trail with ridgeline views of high desert, distant peaks
Gopher Snake
Location: 35.190673828125, -106.383255004883
©Bill Velasquez
TKT001
Location: 35.2095413208008, -106.435562133789
Trailhead. Trail leads N deep into mixed conifer forest
SCN004
Location: 35.2094802856445, -106.448196411133
Crest House: Trail opens at large parking lot near gift shop and snack bar. Pick up North Crest Trail on the north end of lot (near the radio towers).
EMB003
Location: 35.0944709777832, -106.472297668457
Swing E; enter 37,000-acre Sandia Mtn. Wilderness, designated ’78
TKT002
Location: 35.2322731018066, -106.443656921387
Media Spring
EMB009
Location: 35.1178092956543, -106.443099975586
Oso Pass: Turn L @ 4-way onto unmarked Whitewash Trail with ridgeline views of high desert, distant peaks
EMB010
Location: 35.1162605285644, -106.467796325684
Don’t miss turn: Go L @ Y onto Whitewash Trail; descend SW back into desert
EMB001
Location: 35.098991394043, -106.47989654541
Bear E toward water tank on Embudo Trail
EMB004
Location: 35.0952606201172, -106.465599060059
Stay parallel to, but above, seasonal creekbed and Embudo Spring
EMB011
Location: 35.1139106750488, -106.46849822998
Fisheye views of Albuquerque and the Sandia Mtns.; carefully proceed SW on steep, poorly defined trail
EMB001
Location: 35.098991394043, -106.47989654541
Bear E toward water tank on Embudo Trail
NMT009
Location: 35.2236289978027, -106.392501831055
Pass another diamond blaze cut into tree trunk; continue SW
EMB012
Location: 35.1094207763672, -106.480003356934
Trail breaks into various braids; stay on unmarked Whitewash Trail, which follows L side of descending ridgeline
EMB006
Location: 35.1035118103027, -106.442497253418
Embudo Trail ends, veer NE on Three-Gun Spring Trail, breaking for S views of the crinkly, gray Manzano Mtns.
NCS004
Location: 35.2259712219238, -106.452087402344
Pass unnamed 10,458-ft. summit on L, then continue N along crest
ESL003
Location: 35.1659317016602, -106.475997924805
R @ Y onto #230A; marvel at Mt. Taylor rising to the W
SCS004
Location: 35.0989952087402, -106.406387329102
Continue on Crest Trail @ Upper Faulty intersection (Upper Faulty leads to CCC and Faulty).
ESL002
Location: 35.1535491943359, -106.471496582031
R @ 4-way onto Foothills Trail #365 N, the longest trail in the Foothills Open Space
NCS001
Location: 35.211368560791, -106.44930267334
Pick up North Crest Trail (#130) @ N end of lot, then descend beneath a canopy of fir and pine
ESL004
Location: 35.1681594848633, -106.468399047852
Take Trail #230 N; soak in the tranquil twilight backdrop of the Sandia Mountains, named for their pink colors at sunset?sandia is Spanish for ?watermelon?
SCN007
Location: 35.2376594543457, -106.449798583984
Stay straight @ 3-way junction with the 10K Trail. Follow the trail through dense forest with occasional breaks that yield views of prominent rock formations below North Sandia Peak.
SCS008
Location: 35.1534805297852, -106.414703369141
Stay straight @ 3-way; Canyoncito Trail winds up the east side of the mountain and enters on right.
Looking South
Location: 35.1086616516113, -106.439407348633
An exceptional view to the south
© Bill Velasquez
View South
Location: 35.0943183898926, -106.410926818848
Sounds from I-40 and views of local mining operations remind you that you are not too far away from civlization.
Where the raptor soar!
Location: 35.100414276123, -106.445175170898
Gazing overhead at the raptor migration route
© Bill Velasquez
ESL005
Location: 35.1701393127441, -106.466400146484
R @ Y onto Trail #341 heading SE; gawk at the Jemez Mountains to the N while rambling through scrub oak, cane cholla cactus, and blue grama grass
SCS001
Location: 35.0895805358887, -106.3916015625
Head north from the South Crest Trailhead for a gentle climb.
EMT005
Location: 35.1312599182129, -106.45580291748
Meander SE, passing seasonal springs
ESL008
Location: 35.1576385498047, -106.465202331543
L @ Y; continue onto Trail #305A; note the vast Tijeras Arroyo to the S
Lunch Views 1
Location: 35.1175689697266, -106.443031311035
A clearing gives way to views of the Sandia Mountains
© Bill Velasquez
EMT004
Location: 35.1340293884277, -106.45760345459
Cross dry streambed; pick up trail by faded wooden sign
NMT005
Location: 35.1972274780273, -106.385330200195
Continue N through Tecolote Canyon's lush woods; tecolote means owl, so keep an eye out; you may spot a great horned owl
NMT004
Location: 35.1900215148926, -106.38330078125
Follow ridgeline N on cushy pine needles; gopher snakes bask on rocks. Look W for views of Tecolote Peak
SCN013
Location: 35.2913589477539, -106.43920135498
North Crest Trailhead: A car shuttle should be in place if you hike the trail in one day.
NCS003
Location: 35.2183494567871, -106.451499938965
Cross meadow, passing strenuous Chimney Canyon Trail. Steady descent ahead on worn trail cut through grassy banks; steep drop-offs on L and gentle slopes on R
PLT001
Location: 35.2228507995606, -106.483497619629
From sign near kiosk, follow two-track dirt road N
PLT009
Location: 35.2432098388672, -106.474296569824
The Knob: Views of Mt. Taylor to W and the Sangre de Cristos to N. Backtrack to WPT 8 and head W past unsigned fork along ridgeline for final treasure hunt
NCS007
Location: 35.2401390075684, -106.450698852539
Rest legs and soak up views of expansive Albuquerque valley on rock bench. In 400 ft., descend lush slopes on Osha Trail
EMT007
Location: 35.1176795959473, -106.443199157715
Oso Pass: Turn L @ 4-way with Three Gun Springs Trail and unmarked Whitewash Trail; gaps in trees reveal rugged Sandia ridgelines to N. Good turnaround pt.
SCN009
Location: 35.2494506835938, -106.451309204102
To the south, lush aspen groves cover the hillsides.
NCS011
Location: 35.2120094299316, -106.446098327637
Emerge from thick forest onto NM 536. Turn R (NW) and follow road .9 mi. back to lower lot
ESL010
Location: 35.1535377502441, -106.471366882324
R @ 4-way; follow #366 N to parking area
EMB007
Location: 35.1087417602539, -106.439002990723
Cross seasonal stream nestled under ponderosa pines
EMB005
Location: 35.0999221801758, -106.445426940918
Climb a few tight switchbacks to 180° views of Embudo Canyon and the S. Sandia Mtns., a raptor migration route
EMB013
Location: 35.103385925293, -106.486824035645
Straight @ 4-way; cross Trail #365. Hike SE on unnamed trail to lot
SCN002
Location: 35.2052383422852, -106.440902709961
Continue north past Gravel Pit Trail; pass a popular meadow enclosed by a buck-and-pole fence; an adjacent rock building overlooks the city below. In .2 mile, pass Buried Cable Trail.
NCS002
Location: 35.2166709899902, -106.450698852539
Trail enters Sandia Mountain Wilderness, then traces fence line past a cluster of radio towers
SCS010
Location: 35.187198638916, -106.420700073242
Keep left, passing Tree Spring Trail and 10K Trail. Begin slightly steep climb through dense tree cover to the Crest.
SCS012
Location: 35.1960906982422, -106.434196472168
Take a well-deserved break at High Finance Restaurant & Tavern (microbrews served), then hop on the Sandia Peak Tramway for a relaxing ride to your shuttle car.
NCS008
Location: 35.2422904968262, -106.450302124023
Turn R (SE) @ 3-way onto Survey Trail; blue diamond x-country ski markers mark the route uphill
PLT002
Location: 35.2284088134766, -106.482398986816
Dirt road ends; Piedra Lisa Trail begins
EMB013
Location: 35.103385925293, -106.486824035645
Straight @ 4-way; cross Trail #365. Hike SE on unnamed trail to lot
Lunch Views 2
Location: 35.1180648803711, -106.44344329834
Oso Pass
© Bill Velasquez
EMB007
Location: 35.1087417602539, -106.439002990723
Cross seasonal stream nestled under ponderosa pines
EMB008
Location: 35.1142616271973, -106.443901062012
Continue climbing N through shady relief
HB sign #2
Location: 35.0944786071777, -106.471900939941
Hiking past the Horse Bypass route marker
© Bill Velasquez
Lunch Views 1
Location: 35.1175689697266, -106.443031311035
A clearing gives way to views of the Sandia Mountains
© Bill Velasquez
Where the raptor soar!
Location: 35.100414276123, -106.445175170898
Gazing overhead at the raptor migration route
© Bill Velasquez
EMB012
Location: 35.1094207763672, -106.480003356934
Trail breaks into various braids; stay on unmarked Whitewash Trail, which follows L side of descending ridgeline
SCS011
Location: 35.1927604675293, -106.431297302246
Follow South Crest Trail to the north-northwest. Leave the forest as you near the Sandia Peak Tramway and ski area.
PLT004
Location: 35.2307014465332, -106.479598999023
Wilderness boundary. Ahead, turn R for .4-mi. side trip up a cramped canyon-a must-do if there's been any rain
SCS005
Location: 35.0940895080566, -106.411003112793
Head west; look to the south for views of local mining operations. Switchback climb ahead.
Trail #365 marker
Location: 35.1034660339356, -106.48641204834
Hiking SE toward the arid plains on the outskirts of Albuquerque
© Bill Velasquez
SCS009
Location: 35.1690216064453, -106.41429901123
Continue straight on saddle, heading northeast, then northwest. The popular Pino Trail enters on left where scrub oak flourishes (a good place for a break before tackling upcoming elevation gain); Cienega Trail enters on right.
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