Sandia Foothills
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Gravel
10 miles | 960 ft elevation | 63% gravel
The Sandia Foothills Open Space, located at the base of the Sandia Mountains, is a popular area with a network of multi-use trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The landscape is beautiful and filled with tall grass, cane cholla and prickly pear cactus. As you twist and turn through the hills, the mountains remain in sight and since the elevation is over 6,000 feet, you also have sweeping views of the city.
Starting from the Michael Emery Trailhead parking lot, head east on trail 305 towards the mountains. Around mile 2, you will take trail 305A and stay to the right to continue on trail 342 and then take trail 341. You will climb for the next mile, reaching the highest point on the route.
As you make your way down, take trail 230A briefly, which will connect you back to trail 342 and just before mile 5 you will take trail 141 towards the Elena Gallegos Open Space area. Make your way through the parking lot and then head down Simms Park Road. Around mile 7 you will jump on the Tramway Trail (paved bike path) and head south for the next mile.
As you approach the Bear Canyon Arroyo Open Space, swoop down off the bike path and take the Michael Emery Trail towards the mountains. The next mile is a bit sandy as you make your way back up to the parking lot.
Notes
Be sure to stay on the marked trails and pay attention to signs as bikes are not allowed in the USFS Wilderness areas. Visit the City of Albuquerque Sandia Foothills Open Space website for more information on trails, parking, etc.
Even though most riders opt for a mountain bike on this route, it is doable on a gravel bike. It is mostly singletrack with a few wider portions and only a couple technical spots.
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