Albuquerque: Embudito Trail to South Sandia Peak

Dayhike 5 to 15 miles through the golden hills above the city. The longer haul leads to a peak with fine views of the Sandias.

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Mapped by Bill Velasquez

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 11.8

Waypoints

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

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

South Peak Views

Location: 35.1205558776856, -106.430725097656

©Bill Velasquez

More South Peak Views

Location: 35.1214942932129, -106.43041229248

©Bill Velasquez

View of Manzano Mountains

Location: 35.1113815307617, -106.42707824707

©Bill Velasquez

Views to the North

Location: 35.1184730529785, -106.444175720215

©Bill Velasquez

Albuquerque

Location: 35.1345291137695, -106.473266601562

©Bill Velasquez

Embudito Trail Sign

Location: 35.1360931396484, -106.481399536133

©Bill Velasquez

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