8.1km
Total Distance
676m
Elevation Gain

Trail description

An 8.1 km climb of about 680 m on the upper La Luz Trail (Trail 137), from about 2,720 m up the west face of the Sandia Mountains to Sandia Crest above Albuquerque. The whole trail runs about eight miles (13 km) from the La Luz Trailhead to Sandia Crest or the Sandia Peak Tramway, with 1,151 m of elevation gain. It passes through four climatic life zones among the granite cliffs and spires of the west face. The views take in Albuquerque, the cinder cones of the Albuquerque Volcanoes and Mount Taylor.

Route Map

Along the trail

  1. 1
    Bodhi Tree · 1.4km
    Viewpoint
  2. 2
    Upper La Cueva Canyon, La Luz Overlook · 2.8km
    Viewpoint
  3. 3
    Shelter · 3km
  4. 4
    Sandia Peak · 3.1km
    Viewpoint
  5. 5
    Viewpoint · 3.3km
  6. 6
    Viewpoint · 4km
Path grade (SAC)
T2 · T4 for 0.9km
Surface
natural ground 84%, paved 16%
Marked route
Grand Enchantment Trail, La Luz to Crest Route, Tram Lower Terminal to Sandia Crest

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Difficulty

4/5 · Difficult
  • Experience with long mountain hikes