Guide to Hiking in the Sandia Mountains

Nestled in New Mexico, the Sandia Mountains offer a plethora of hiking trails for all levels of adventurers.

This guide provides detailed descriptions of various hikes, covering difficulty levels, trail specifics, and essential tips.

Trails Overview

Difficulty	Trails Covered	Miles	Maximum Elevation Difference (feet)
Moderate	Strip Mine Trail; Trail 246	6	1,580
Moderate	Three Gun Spring Trail	5	1,580
Moderate	Hawk Watch Trail	4	1,540
Moderate	Del Agua Trail, Piedra Lisa Trail	8	2,200
Moderate	Piedra Lisa Trail, Rincon Spur Trail	7	1,220
Moderate	Ojo del Orno, North Crest Trail	3.5	1,010
Difficult	South Crest, Lower Faulty, Upper Faulty	5.5	1,040
Easy	Armijo Trail	4	700
Difficult	Embudo, Post Pass, Three Gun Spring, Whitewash Trails	10	2,440
Difficult	Pino Trail	8	2,760
Difficult	Embudito Trail	11	3,540
Difficult	South Crest Trail, CCC Trail	10	2,840
Difficult	Cienega, South Crest, Tree Spring, Oso Corredor, Sulphur Canyon Trails	11	2,200
Moderate	North Crest, Penasco Blanco, Osha Loop, 10K Trails	9	2,150
Moderate	North 10K Trail, Osha Loop Trail	9	800
Moderate	Crest Spur, South Crest Trail, Kiwanis Cabin	7	1,180
Most	Chimney Canyon Trail, La Luz Trail	8	2,440
Difficult	Osha Spring Trail	8	2,500
Moderate	Tramway Trail	4.5	670
Easiest	Boundary Loop Trail	4	570
Moderate	Agua Sarca Trail, North Crest Trail, Del Orno Trail	7	2,500
Moderate	Fletcher Trail	5	1,040
Difficult	Domingo Baca Trail, TWA Canyon	7	2,280
Moderate	North Mano Route, South Mano Route	5	950

Moderate Trails

Strip Mine Trail and Trail 246

@hollyondish

the abandoned ghost town was obliterated by strip mining operations & the black plague. cryptids & ghost sighting have been witnessed here. #appalachia #cryptid #DoritosDareToBeBurned #OLAFLEX #fyp #pennsylvania #paranormal #abandoned #fypシ #570 #abandoned #folklore #urbex #haunted

♬ Its called freefall cover by paris paloma – Paris Paloma

Driving Instructions

Take I-25 north from Albuquerque, exit at Placitas (exit 242), and head east. After 3 miles, turn right on a Forest Service dirt road. The parking area is 100 yards off this road.

Hike Description

The Strip Mine Trail is an exposed trail in the northern foothills of the Sandias, following an old jeep road past an abandoned strip mine. It is easy and flat but can be very hot. The trail leads through small gullies and scrub brush, passing a red earth strip mine. A fork in the trail diverts to Trail 246, which climbs higher into greenery before disappearing near a small peak.

Waypoints

STR246: N 35° 17.725′, W 106° 27.418′ (Strip Mine Trail – Trail 246 junction)
STREND: N 35° 17.866′, W 106° 27.386′ (Strip Mine Trail east end)
STRTH: N 35° 18.018′, W 106° 28.837′ (Strip Mine west trailhead)

Three Gun Spring Trail

Driving Instructions

Travel east from Albuquerque on I-40, take the Carnuel exit to Old 66, and drive 1.5 miles east. Follow signs to the Monticello subdivision. Parking is in a sandy arroyo bottom, marked by signs.

Hike Description

Three Gun Spring Trail offers views of Tijeras Canyon and Albuquerque. It is best hiked in winter due to the lack of shade. The trail begins in a sandy area, ascending through switchbacks on a steep, rocky terrain. At the top, it intersects with Embudo Trail and continues to Oso Pass.

Waypoints

EMBTGS: N 35° 6.206′, W 106° 26.556′ (Embudo – Three Gun Spring Trail junction)
TGSTH: N 35° 4.587′, W 106° 26.649′ (Three Gun Spring trailhead)
TGSWP1: N 35° 4.960′, W 106° 26.617′ (Three Gun Spring Trail wilderness boundary)
TGSWP2: N 35° 5.808′, W 106° 26.428′ (Three Gun Spring Trail switchbacks)

Hawk Watch Trail

Driving Instructions

Same as Three Gun Spring Trail. Drive east from Albuquerque on I-40, take the Carnuel exit, and follow signs to the Monticello subdivision.

Hike Description

Hawk Watch Trail is a steep climb, popular for observing migrating hawks in spring. It starts from Three Gun Spring Trail, ascending steeply to a ridge at 7,400 feet.

Waypoints

HWKWP1: N 35° 5.229′, W 106° 25.949′ (Hawk Watch plateau)
TGSTH: N 35° 4.587′, W 106° 26.649′ (Three Gun Spring trailhead)
TGSWP1: N 35° 4.960′, W 106° 26.617′ (Three Gun Spring Trail wilderness boundary)

Del Agua Trail and Piedra Lisa Trail

Driving Instructions

Take I-25 north from Albuquerque, exit at Placitas (exit 242), turn south onto FR 445, and drive on a bumpy dirt road to Piedra Lisa Trail’s north trailhead.

Hike Description

This loop hike is rugged and often overgrown. Del Agua Trail follows a streambed and intersects with Piedra Lisa Trail, which offers scenic views and a pleasant hike along a well-worn path.

Waypoints

DAGPLS: N 35° 15.755′, W 106° 28.079′ (Del Agua – Piedra Lisa Trail junction)
DAGWP1: N 35° 16.232′, W 106° 28.992′ (Del Agua waypoint 1)
DAGWP2: N 35° 16.094′, W 106° 28.791′ (Del Agua waypoint 2)
DAGWP3: N 35° 15.835′, W 106° 28.303′ (Del Agua waypoint 3)
PLSTHN: N 35° 16.734′, W 106° 28.711′ (Piedra Lisa north trailhead)
PLSWP1: N 35° 14.676′, W 106° 28.510′ (Piedra Lisa Trail crosses the Rincon)
PLSWP2: N 35° 15.193′, W 106° 28.371′ (Piedra Lisa waypoint 2)

Piedra Lisa Trail and Rincon Spur Trail

Driving Instructions

Take Tramway Boulevard north, turn east on FR 333, and continue on FR 333D to the trailhead parking lot.

Hike Description

Piedra Lisa Trail offers beautiful views and a steep hike up to the Rincon ridge. The trail intersects with Rincon Spur Trail at the top, providing a scenic spot for lunch.

Waypoints

FLETH: N 35° 13.851′, W 106° 28.774′ (Fletcher trailhead)
PLSTHS: N 35° 13.378′, W 106° 29.005′ (Piedra Lisa south trailhead)
PLSWP1: N 35° 14.676′, W 106° 28.510′ (Piedra Lisa Trail crosses the Rincon)
PLSWP4: N 35° 13.698′, W 106° 28.938′ (Piedra Lisa waypoint 4)

Ojo del Orno Canyon and North Crest Trail

Driving Instructions

Take I-25 north from Albuquerque, exit at Placitas (exit 242), and head east. Turn off at Tunnel Spring (FR 231) to the trailhead parking lot.

Hike Description

Ojo del Orno Trail is steep and rugged, leading to North Crest Trail. The loop continues on Crest Trail, offering an uphill grade for an extra workout.

Waypoints

DORNCR: N 35° 16.890′, W 106° 26.097′ (Del Orno – North Crest Trail upper junction)
DORTH: N 35° 17.451′, W 106° 26.323′ (Del Orno lower trailhead)
DORWP1: N 35° 17.068′, W 106° 26.154′ (Del Orno waypoint 1)
NCRTH: N 35° 17.487′, W 106° 26.372′ (North Crest trailhead)

South Crest, Faulty, Upper Faulty Trails

Driving Instructions

Take I-40 east from Albuquerque, exit at south Tijeras, turn right to the Canyon Estates, and follow signs to the trailhead parking lot.

Hike Description

South Crest Trail intersects with Lower and Upper Faulty Trails. Faulty Trail is scenic and serene, with diamond blazes marking the route.

Waypoints

SCRLFL: N 35° 5.849′, W 106° 23.832′ (South Crest – Lower Faulty Trail junction)
SCRSPK: N 35° 5.373′, W 106° 23.494′ (South Crest parking)
SCRUFL: N 35° 5.916′, W 106° 24.360′ (South Crest – Upper Faulty Trail junction)
UFLLFL: N 35° 6.717′, W 106° 23.876′ (Upper Faulty – Lower Faulty Trail junction)

Armijo Trail

Driving Instructions

Take I-40 east from Albuquerque, go north on NM 14 for 6 miles, turn onto Crest Highway, and park at the Sulphur Canyon Picnic Ground.

Hike Description

Armijo Trail is pleasant, traveling through lush trees and grassy areas, and intersecting with Faulty Trail. It offers a slight uphill grade and beautiful scenery.

Waypoints

ARMFLT: N 35° 9.381′, W 106° 23.336′ (Armijo – Faulty Trail junction)
ARMWP1: N 35° 9.862′, W 106° 22.099′ (Armijo Trail waypoint 1)
ARMPRK: N 35° 9.902′, W 106° 22.561′ (Armijo Trail parking)
CIEFLT: N 35° 10.082′, W 106° 23.368′ (Cienega – Faulty Trail junction)
FLTWP2: N 35° 10.095′, W 106° 23.256′ (Faulty Trail waypoint 2)

Difficult Trails

Embudo, Post Pass, Three Gun Spring, Whitewash Trails

Driving Instructions

Go east on Menaul until it ends at a parking area for the Albuquerque Open Space.

Hike Description

Embudo Trail is rugged and overgrown, offering a challenging hike through narrow canyons and switchbacks. The trail intersects with Three Gun Spring Trail and continues to Oso Pass, a significant spot in the southern Sandias.

Waypoints

EMB365: N 35° 5.944′, W 106° 28.298′ (Embudo – Trail 365 junction)
EMBPOS: N 35° 5.990′, W 106° 26.735′ (Embudo-Post Pass Trail junction)
EMBTGS: N 35° 6.206′, W 106° 26.556′ (Embudo – Three Gun Spring Trail junction)
EMBWP1: N 35° 5.800′, W 106° 27.879′ (Embudo Trail waypoint 1)
EMBWP2: N 35° 5.772′, W 106° 27.572′ (Embudo Trail waypoint 2)
EMBWP3: N 35° 5.761′, W 106° 27.556′ (Embudo Trail waypoint 3)
EMBWP4: N 35° 6.090′, W 106° 26.879′ (Embudo Trail waypoint 4)
INSCPK: N 35° 5.943′, W 106° 28.800′ (Parking lot at end of Indian School)
MENLPK: N 35° 6.301′, W 106° 29.300′ (Menaul parking)
OSOPSS: N 35° 7.065′, W 106° 26.596′ (Oso Pass)
POSTPS: N 35° 5.744′, W 106° 26.819′ (Post Pass)
WHWWP1: N 35° 7.019′, W 106° 27.924′ (Whitewash Trail waypoint 1)
WHWWP2: N 35° 6.980′, W 106° 28.067′ (Whitewash Trail waypoint 2)
WHWWP3: N 35° 6.836′, W 106° 28.109′ (Whitewash Trail waypoint 3)

Pino Trail

Driving Instructions

Take Tramway Blvd. north from Academy, turn east to the Elena Gallegos Open Space, and pay a parking fee at the guard station.

Hike Description

Pino Trail is a popular and beautiful hike. It begins dry and rocky, becoming lush and green, with views of the Sandias’ rocky face. The trail is steepest near the junction with the Crest Trail.

Waypoints

EGPK: N 35° 9.704′, W 106° 28.191′ (Ellena Gallegos parking lot)
PNOSCR: N 35° 10.144′, W 106° 24.850′ (Pino Trail – South Crest Trail junction)
PNOWP1: N 35° 9.907′, W 106° 27.415′ (Pino Trail crosses Forest Service boundary)

Embudito Trail

Driving Instructions

Take Montgomery Blvd. east from Tramway to Glenwood Hills Dr., and follow signs to Embudito Trailhead.

Hike Description

Embudito Trail is rocky and steep, offering a secluded and beautiful hike. It intersects with Oso Pass and continues to South Peak.

Waypoints

EBTOTH: N 35° 8.182′, W 106° 28.910′ (Embudito Trailhead)
EBTWP1: N 35° 8.031′, W 106° 28.030′ (Embudito Trail waypoint 1)
EBTWP2: N 35° 8.029′, W 106° 28.000′ (Embudito Trail waypoint 2)
EBTWP3: N 35° 8.028′, W 106° 27.477′ (Embudito Trail waypoint 3)
EBTWP4: N 35° 6.799′, W 106° 25.830′ (Embudito Trail waypoint 4)
EBTWP5: N 35° 7.234′, W 106° 25.856′ (Embudito Trail waypoint 5)
OSOPSS: N 35° 7.065′, W 106° 26.596′ (Oso Pass)
SCREBT: N 35° 6.666′, W 106° 25.627′ (South Crest – Embudito Trail junction)
STHPK: N 35° 7.235′, W 106° 25.842′ (South Peak)

South Crest Trail and CCC Trail

Driving Instructions

Take I-40 east from Albuquerque, exit at south Tijeras, turn north under the freeway, and follow signs to the trailhead parking area for the South Crest Trail.

Hike Description

South Crest Trail runs from Canyon Estates to Sandia Crest, offering a loop with CCC Trail. The trail passes by intersections with Faulty Trails and South Sandia Spring.

Waypoints

CCCUFL: N 35° 5.935′, W 106° 24.350′ (CCC Trail – Upper Faulty Trail junction)
SCRCCC: N 35° 6.711′, W 106° 25.612′ (South Crest Trail – CCC Trail junction)
SCREBT: N 35° 6.666′, W 106° 25.627′ (South Crest – Embudito Trail junction)
SCRLFL: N 35° 5.849′, W 106° 23.832′ (South Crest – Lower Faulty Trail junction)
SCRRDG: N 35° 5.687′, W 106° 25.694′ (South Crest Trail ridge line)
SCRSPK: N 35° 5.373′, W 106° 23.494′ (South Crest parking)
SCRSPR: N 35° 5.965′, W 106° 25.545′ (South Crest Trail – South Sandia Spring)
SCRUFL: N 35° 5.916′, W 106° 24.360′ (South Crest – Upper Faulty Trail junction)

Cienega, South Crest, Tree Spring, Oso Corredor, Faulty, Sulphur Canyon Trails

Driving Instructions

Take I-40 east from Albuquerque, go north on NM 14 for 6 miles, and park at the Sulphur Spring Picnic Ground.

Hike Description

This long hike through the east side of the Sandias starts at Sulphur Spring and covers multiple trails, offering a loop with stunning scenery and cool, shaded areas.

Waypoints

10KTSP: N 35° 11.236′, W 106° 25.256′ (South 10K – Tree Spring Trail junction)
CIEFLT: N 35° 10.082′, W 106° 23.368′ (Cienega – Faulty Trail junction)
CIESCR: N 35° 10.136′, W 106° 24.854′ (Cienega – South Crest Trail junction)
CIETH: N 35° 10.178′, W 106° 23.047′ (Cienega trailhead)
FLTOSO: N 35° 10.863′, W 106° 23.276′ (Faulty – Oso Corredor Trail junction)
FLTSUL: N 35° 10.371′, W 106° 23.222′ (Faulty – Sulphur Spring Trail junction)
OSOTSP: N 35° 11.524′, W 106° 24.501′ (Oso Corredor – Tree Spring Trail junction)
SULPK: N 35° 10.339′, W 106° 22.587′ (Sulphur Spring parking lot)
TSPTH: N 35° 11.632′, W 106° 24.287′ (Tree Spring trailhead)

North Crest, Penasco Blanco, Osha Loop, and North 10 K Trails

Driving Instructions

Take I-40 east from Albuquerque, go north on NM 14, take Crest Highway to the top, and park in the main lot.

Hike Description

This hike explores the tree-covered area north of Sandia Crest. Multiple trails intersect, offering a variety of loop options with spectacular views.

Waypoints

10KNCR: N 35° 14.257′, W 106° 26.973′ (North 10K – North Crest Trail junction)
10KOLP: N 35° 13.932′, W 106° 26.631′ (North 10K – Osha Loop Trail junction)
AGSNCR: N 35° 15.771′, W 106° 27.025′ (Agua Sarca – North Crest Trail junction)
CHMTH: N 35° 13.089′, W 106° 27.085′ (Chimney Canyon trailhead)
CRSTPK: N 35° 12.679′, W 106° 26.958′ (Crest parking lot)
ELI10K: N 35° 14.057′, W 106° 26.852′ (Ellis – North 10 K Trail junction)
NCROLP: N 35° 14.472′, W 106° 27.032′ (North Crest Trail – Osha Loop Trail junction)
NCRPBL: N 35° 15.759′, W 106° 26.460′ (North Crest Trail – Penasco Blanco Trail junction)
NCRSTR: N 35° 15.636′, W 106° 26.919′ (North Crest Trail crosses stream)
OSPPBL: N 35° 14.664′, W 106° 26.129′ (Osha Loop Trail – Penasco Blanco Trail junction)
PBLWP1: N 35° 14.815′, W 106° 26.191′ (Penasco Blanco waypoint 1)
PBLWP2: N 35° 14.779′, W 106° 26.187′ (Penasco Blanco waypoint 2)
PBLWP3: N 35° 14.732′, W 106° 26.203′ (Penasco Blanco waypoint 3)
SRV10K: N 35° 14.140′, W 106° 26.948′ (Survey – 10K Trail junction)

North 10K Trail and Osha Loop Trail

Driving Instructions

Drive east from Albuquerque on I-40, north on NM 14 for 6 miles, up Crest Highway, and park at the North 10K Trail parking lot.

Hike Description

North 10K Trail and Osha Loop Trail offer a scenic loop with intersections providing various route options. The trails offer beautiful views and varied terrain.

Waypoints

10KOLP: N 35° 13.932′, W 106° 26.631′ (North 10K – Osha Loop Trail junction)
ELI10K: N 35° 14.057′, W 106° 26.852′ (Ellis – North 10 K Trail junction)
ELIOLP: N 35° 14.692′, W 106° 26.990′ (Ellis – Osha Loop Trail junction)
10KNCR: N 35° 14.257′, W 106° 26.973′ (North 10K – North Crest Trail junction)
N10KPK: N 35° 12.595′, W 106° 26.161′ (North 10K parking lot)
NCROLP: N 35° 14.472′, W 106° 27.032′ (North Crest Trail – Osha Loop Trail junction)
OLPOSP: N 35° 14.569′, W 106° 26.193′ (Osha Loop – Osha Spring Trail junction)
SRVOLP: N 35° 14.537′, W 106° 27.013′ (Survey – Osha Loop Trail junction)

Crest Spur Trail, South Crest Trail, and Kiwanis Cabin

Driving Instructions

Take I-40 east from Albuquerque, go north on NM 14 for 6 miles, and take Crest Highway to the top, parking at the main lot.

Hike Description

This loop connects the Crest House and Upper Tram Terminal, with a side trip to Kiwanis Cabin. It offers beautiful views and a popular route.

Waypoints

CRSKIW: N 35° 12.433′, W 106° 26.661′ (Crest Trail – Kiwanis Cabin Trail junction)
CRSTPK: N 35° 12.679′, W 106° 26.958′ (Crest parking lot)
CRSTRM: N 35° 11.822′, W 106° 26.089′ (Crest Trail (130) – Tram trailhead)
CSPLLZ: N 35° 12.276′, W 106° 26.849′ (Crest Spur – La Luz Trail junction)
CSPTH: N 35° 12.570′, W 106° 26.921′ (Crest Spur (north) trailhead)
KIWCAB: N 35° 12.206′, W 106° 26.594′ (Kiwanis Cabin)

Chimney Canyon Trail and La Luz Trail

Driving Instructions

Take I-40 east from Albuquerque, north on NM 14 for 6 miles, take Crest Highway to the top, and park at the main lot.

Hike Description

Chimney Canyon Trail is a challenging and potentially dangerous hike, descending steeply through remote terrain. It intersects with La Luz Trail, requiring a strenuous climb back to the Crest.

Waypoints

CHMLLZ: N 35° 12.763′, W 106° 28.045′ (Chimney Canyon – La Luz Trail junction)
CHMNEY: N 35° 12.795′, W 106° 27.270′ (Chimney rock formation)
CHMTH: N 35° 13.089′, W 106° 27.085′ (Chimney Canyon trailhead)
CHMWP1: N 35° 13.026′, W 106° 27.170′ (Chimney Canyon waypoint below radio towers)
CHMWP2: N 35° 12.942′, W 106° 27.240′ (Chimney Canyon aspen grove)
CHMWP3: N 35° 12.877′, W 106° 27.193′ (Chimney Canyon rock slide)
CRSTPK: N 35° 12.679′, W 106° 26.958′ (Crest parking lot)
CSPLLZ: N 35° 12.276′, W 106° 26.849′ (Crest Spur – La Luz Trail junction)
LLZRK1: N 35° 12.308′, W 106° 26.884′ (La Luz top of rock slides)
LLZRK2: N 35° 12.437′, W 106° 27.313′ (La Luz bottom of rock slides)

Osha Spring Trail

Driving Instructions

Drive north from Albuquerque on I-25, take exit 242 east through Placitas, and follow Highway 165 to the dirt portion. Park near the second one-lane bridge.

Hike Description

Osha Spring Trail is a rough and primitive trail, following an old jeep road with nice views and a steep workout. It intersects with Penasco Blanco and North Crest Trails, leading to North Sandia Peak.

Waypoints

OSPPK: N 35° 16.207′, W 106° 24.170′ (Osha Spring Trail parking)
OSPPBL: N 35° 14.664′, W 106° 26.129′ (Osha Spring Trail – Penasco Blanco Trail junction)
OSPTSR: N 35° 14.729′, W 106° 26.512′ (Osha Spring – Tree Spring Trail junction)
PBLWP1: N 35° 14.815′, W 106° 26.191′ (Penasco Blanco waypoint 1)
PBLWP2: N 35° 14.779′, W 106° 26.187′ (Penasco Blanco waypoint 2)
PBLWP3: N 35° 14.732′, W 106° 26.203′ (Penasco Blanco waypoint 3)
TSPTH: N 35° 11.632′, W 106° 24.287′ (Tree Spring trailhead)

Tramway Trail

Driving Instructions

Take Tramway Boulevard north from Albuquerque to the parking area at the base of Sandia Peak Tramway.

Hike Description

Tramway Trail is a short, easy hike following the base of the tram. It offers views of the surrounding area and a pleasant walk.

Waypoints

TRMTH: N 35° 11.016′, W 106° 29.206′ (Tramway trailhead)
TRMWP1: N 35° 11.220′, W 106° 29.170′ (Tramway waypoint 1)
TRMWP2: N 35° 11.270′, W 106° 29.110′ (Tramway waypoint 2)
TRMWP3: N 35° 11.320′, W 106° 29.050′ (Tramway waypoint 3)
TRMWP4: N 35° 11.370′, W 106° 28.990′ (Tramway waypoint 4)
TRMWP5: N 35° 11.420′, W 106° 28.930′ (Tramway waypoint 5)

Boundary Loop Trail

Driving Instructions

Take I-40 east from Albuquerque, exit at south Tijeras, turn north under the freeway, and follow signs to the trailhead parking for the South Crest Trail.

Hike Description

Boundary Loop Trail is an easy loop through lush trees and grassy areas, providing a pleasant and serene hike.

Waypoints

BNDRLP: N 35° 6.250′, W 106° 24.550′ (Boundary Loop Trail junction)
BNDRTH: N 35° 6.300′, W 106° 24.600′ (Boundary Loop trailhead)
BNDRWP1: N 35° 6.350′, W 106° 24.650′ (Boundary Loop waypoint 1)
BNDRWP2: N 35° 6.400′, W 106° 24.700′ (Boundary Loop waypoint 2)
BNDRWP3: N 35° 6.450′, W 106° 24.750′ (Boundary Loop waypoint 3)

Agua Sarca Trail, North Crest Trail, Del Orno Trail

@cascadasenhondura

Nacimiento Agua Zarca Zacapa Santa Barbara 💦✅🔝 . . . . #cascadasenhonduras #tripxhonduras #hondufalls #visithonduras #honduras

♬ je te laisserai de mots – ☆☆

Driving Instructions

Take I-25 north from Albuquerque, exit at Placitas (exit 242), head east, and turn off at Tunnel Spring (FR 231) to the trailhead parking lot.

Hike Description

Agua Sarca Trail is rugged and often overgrown, leading to North Crest Trail. The loop continues on Del Orno Trail, offering an uphill grade for an extra workout.

Waypoints

AGSNCR: N 35° 15.771′, W 106° 27.025′ (Agua Sarca – North Crest Trail junction)
AGSTRH: N 35° 16.451′, W 106° 25.523′ (Agua Sarca trailhead)
AGSWP1: N 35° 16.232′, W 106° 28.992′ (Agua Sarca waypoint 1)
AGSWP2: N 35° 16.094′, W 106° 28.791′ (Agua Sarca waypoint 2)
DORNCR: N 35° 16.890′, W 106° 26.097′ (Del Orno – North Crest Trail upper junction)
DORTH: N 35° 17.451′, W 106° 26.323′ (Del Orno lower trailhead)

Fletcher Trail

Driving Instructions

Take Tramway Boulevard north from Academy, turn east on FR 333, and continue on FR 333D to the trailhead parking lot.

Hike Description

Fletcher Trail offers beautiful views and a steep hike up to the Rincon ridge. The trail intersects with Rincon Spur Trail at the top, providing a scenic spot for lunch.

Waypoints

FLETH: N 35° 13.851′, W 106° 28.774′ (Fletcher trailhead)
FLTWP1: N 35° 14.154′, W 106° 27.845′ (Fletcher waypoint 1)
FLTWP2: N 35° 14.551′, W 106° 27.213′ (Fletcher waypoint 2)
FLTWP3: N 35° 14.854′, W 106° 26.645′ (Fletcher waypoint 3)
FLTWP4: N 35° 15.154′, W 106° 26.213′ (Fletcher waypoint 4)

Domingo Baca Trail and TWA Canyon

Driving Instructions

Take Tramway Boulevard north from Academy, turn east to the Elena Gallegos Open Space, and pay a parking fee at the guard station.

Hike Description

Domingo Baca Trail is rugged and often overgrown, offering a challenging hike through narrow canyons and switchbacks. The trail intersects with TWA Canyon, requiring a strenuous climb back to the Crest.

Waypoints

DBCOTH: N 35° 8.182′, W 106° 28.910′ (Domingo Baca Trailhead)
DBCWP1: N 35° 8.031′, W 106° 28.030′ (Domingo Baca waypoint 1)
DBCWP2: N 35° 8.029′, W 106° 28.000′ (Domingo Baca waypoint 2)
DBCWP3: N 35° 8.028′, W 106° 27.477′ (Domingo Baca waypoint 3)
DBCWP4: N 35° 6.799′, W 106° 25.830′ (Domingo Baca waypoint 4)
DBCWP5: N 35° 7.234′, W 106° 25.856′ (Domingo Baca waypoint 5)
OSOPSS: N 35° 7.065′, W 106° 26.596′ (Oso Pass)
SCREBT: N 35° 6.666′, W 106° 25.627′ (South Crest – Domingo Baca Trail junction)
STHPK: N 35° 7.235′, W 106° 25.842′ (South Peak)
TWACRK: N 35° 6.699′, W 106° 26.209′ (TWA Canyon crash site)

North Mano Route and South Mano Route

Driving Instructions

Take Tramway Boulevard north from Academy, turn east on FR 333, and continue on FR 333D to the trailhead parking lot.

Hike Description

North Mano Route and South Mano Route offer beautiful views and a steep hike up to the Rincon ridge. The trail intersects with Rincon Spur Trail at the top, providing a scenic spot for lunch.

Waypoints

MANOWP1: N 35° 13.851′, W 106° 28.774′ (Mano Route waypoint 1)
MANOWP2: N 35° 14.154′, W 106° 27.845′ (Mano Route waypoint 2)
MANOWP3: N 35° 14.551′, W 106° 27.213′ (Mano Route waypoint 3)
MANOWP4: N 35° 14.854′, W 106° 26.645′ (Mano Route waypoint 4)
MANOWP5: N 35° 15.154′, W 106° 26.213′ (Mano Route waypoint 5)

Conclusion

The Sandia Mountains offer a rich variety of hiking experiences, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. From easy strolls to challenging climbs, the trails provide opportunities to explore stunning landscapes and enjoy the natural beauty of New Mexico.