Below is a list of the top and leading Bush Walks in Albuquerque. To help you find the best Bush Walks located near you in Albuquerque, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Albuquerque’s Best Bush Walks:
The top rated Bush Walks in Albuquerque, NM are:
- Sandia Foothills Open Space – support an extensive variety of shrubs including Chamisa
- Rinconada Canyon Trail – incorporated alluvial sediments (sand and gravel) that crumble from nearby mountain ranges
- Boca Negra Canyon – presents various perspectives of the cultural and natural landscape within the monument
- Elena Gallegos Open Space – upholds a piñon-juniper habitat that incorporates Chamisa
- La Luz Trailhead – one of the best-recognized trails in the Sandia Mountains
Sandia Foothills Open Space
Sandia Foothills Open Space comprises around 2,650 acres of steep-sloped hills intersected by grating drainages at the base of the Sandia Mountains. The multiple drainages support an extensive variety of shrubs including Chamisa, apache plume, three-leaf sumac, and oak species. Creatures in the Foothills involve mule deer, coyote, black bear, cougar, rabbit, rock squirrel, lizard, and a rattlesnake plus a wide variety of birds.
Altitude reaches from 5,720 to 6,800 feet above sea level in the territory. The plant variety includes a range of cane cholla, grasses and wildflowers, and prickly pear cactus. Single-seed juniper and piñon trees sprinkle the landscape.
Products/Services:
Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking
LOCATION:
Address: Albuquerque, NM 87111
Phone: (505) 332-5240
Website: www.cabq.gov
REVIEWS:
“Beautiful scenery with fun and easy hiking trails. Very popular, everyone I’ve run into is very friendly.” – Densterman A.
Rinconada Canyon Trail
Rinconada Canyon Trail provides awareness of the cultural, geologic, and natural resources of the Petroglyph National Monument. Track the path of past inhabitants of this landscape along silent volcanic boulders longing to speak to those willing to listen. Enter a constricted valley that seems to have frozen in time, carrying you over sand dunes and alongside a volcanic escarpment plentiful with plant and animal desert life. As you walk into the canyon the sounds and sights of the city fade away and maybe interchanged with the coo of a mourning dove or a collared lizard sunning itself on a basalt boulder.
As you trek the sand dunes in Rinconada Canyon you are strolling on the Santa Fe Formation, which is thought to be up to 25,000 feet thick in some areas. This creation is incorporated of alluvial sediments (sand and gravel) that crumble from nearby mountain ranges and were washed down into the valley by ancient streams.
Products/Services:
Hiking
LOCATION:
Address: 7601 St Josephs Ave, Albuquerque, NM 87120
Phone: (505) 899-0205
Website: www.nps.gov
REVIEWS:
“Nice place for a short hike and some really cool artifacts” – Mike T.
Boca Negra Canyon
Boca Negra Canyon is a 70-acre portion of the 7,236 acres across the monument border. Roughly 100 petroglyphs can be viewed within a period of walking. The three trails present various perspectives of the cultural and natural landscape within the monument. This is the monument’s only fully cultivated area. Restroom facilities, shade, and a drinking fountain are offered for your amenity. A wheelchair-accessible view scope is available on the patio near the restroom facility.
Externally located of Unser Boulevard, ¼ mile north of Montaño Road, this canyon gives quick and easy access to three self-guided trails, (Mesa Point, Macaw, and Cliff Base) where you can view approximately 100 petroglyphs. The united walking time is approximately 1 hour. Even though each trail is very short, they vary in difficulty.
Products/Services:
Hiking
LOCATION:
Address: Atrisco Dr NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
Phone: (505) 873-6620
Website: www.nps.gov
REVIEWS:
“Short thrilling hike with petroglyphs and picnic areas and a bathroom.” – Peter O.
Elena Gallegos Open Space
Elena Gallegos Open Space is a 640-acre park that is a treasure in the Open Space system. At an elevation of about 6,500 feet, visitors can watch Mt. Taylor to the west, the Jemez Mountains to the north, and the massive Tijeras Arroyo to the south. The landscape upholds a piñon-juniper habitat that incorporates Chamisa, Apache plume, scrub oak, cane cholla cactus, blue grama grass, bear grass, and soapweed yucca.
If visitors use their observation skills packrat nests can be seen under juniper trees, coyote and bear scat can be determined along the trail, and the indefinable cougar may be spotted traveling through natural drainage. Traveler to Elena Gallegos Picnic Area and Albert G. Simms Park enjoy many activities below the background of the Sandia Mountains, which were called for their pink colors at sunset – “Sandia” is Spanish for “watermelon.”
Products/Services:
Picnic Area, Hiking, Biking
LOCATION:
Address: 7100 Tramway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122
Phone: (505) 768-5353
Website: www.cabq.gov
REVIEWS:
“Fantastic trails. Well maintained.” – Dennis S.
La Luz Trailhead
La Luz Trailhead is 7.5 miles long. It starts at La Luz Trailhead and finishes at the Crest Trail 130 near the Sandia Peak Tram Upper Terminal. The La Luz Trail 137 is attached with several other trails along the way. Tramway Trail 82; Piedra Lisa-La Luz Link Trail 137C; La Luz 137B; Chimney Canyon Trail 137A and The Crest Spur Trail (leads to the Sandia Crest House). The La Luz Trail is one of the best-recognized trails in the Sandia Mountains. It is also one of the toughest. The trail passes from a hot desert landscape to a cool Canadian forest, for a length of 7.5 miles one way. The elevation gain is 3,200 vertical feet. It is complex and worthwhile.
Products/Services:
Hiking
LOCATION:
Address: Forest Service 333 Rd, Albuquerque, NM 87122
Phone: (505) 281-3304
Website: www.fs.usda.gov
REVIEWS:
“Loved the hike and the view from it. Definitely a must.” – Gilberto G.
Ermily has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications online. As a business expert, Ermily reviews local and national businesses.