Albuquerque is many things: New Mexico’s largest city; one of North America’s most historically significant settlements; and a nexus for those who love the great outdoors. The transfixing beauty of the high desert is legendary, and as a result, Albuquerque attracts dedicated legions of trekkers and outdoors enthusiasts.
Many of the staff at Green Goods are proud to count ourselves among them! We love roaming the parks, nature preserves, and backcountry around Albuquerque, and in the interest of sharing what we’ve learned, we’ve put together a list of our favorite hiking trails in Albuquerque.
Our selection runs the gamut from easy one-hour strolls to more challenging day-long treks. Whichever you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water, and don’t push yourself past your limits. Above all, we want your hiking experience to be fun, rewarding, and safe!
Green Goods’ Favorite Hiking Trails in Albuquerque
Copper Trailhead
15000 Copper Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
One of the most popular hiking trails in Albuquerque is also one of the most accessible! With scenic views of the nearby Sandia Foothills and a relatively gentle elevation gain, the 1.3-mile Copper Trailhead Loop is well-suited for hikers of all abilities and ages. That said, it’s also quite popular, so maybe not the best choice when you’re truly looking to get away from it all.
Embudito Trailhead
Trailhead Rd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
Majestic and inspiring, this well-loved trail leads to a summit offering truly stupendous views of Albuquerque. That said, it’s not for everyone: After the first few miles, the trail gets steep, and you’ll need to do a bit of scrambling over stones and shrubbery. Along the way, you’ll see a glorious selection of cacti, ponderosa, and piñon pine trees, along with the occasional squirrel, lizard, and snake.
Boca Negra Canyon
Atrisco Dr NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
This city-maintained day use space is noteworthy for many reasons: Offering three shortish hikes of varying difficulty, Boca Negra features a few amenities in the form of restrooms and a drinking fountain (there is a parking fee of $1 – $2 depending on the day.) But the real attractions are the roughly 100 petroglyphs—ancient stone carvings—that are visible from the trail. It’s a fascinating dip into the natural and cultural landscape of the ancient area we now call home.
Pueblo Montaño Picnic Area and Trailhead
4100-4112 Montaño Rd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
One of the most convenient hiking trails in Albuquerque, Pueblo Montaño is a great choice for less-experienced hikers. Despite its proximity to town, it’s relatively quiet and known for a serene, peaceful vibe (the Rio Grande runs through this trail, adding its own special riverine magic). This network of hiking trails features a 1.7-mile loop, and it welcomes dogs so long as they’re kept on leash. All in all one of the best close-to-town hiking options in Albuquerque!
Michael Emery Trail
High Desert St
Albuquerque, NM 87111
The Sandia Mountains are one of New Mexico’s most spectacular features, but the higher elevations aren’t easy to reach for less-experienced hikers. That’s one reason the Michael Emery Trail is so popular: It gives adventurers a taste of the unique geography, flora and fauna of the Sandia Foothills without requiring a strenuous or challenging trek up the steeper slopes. No wonder so many hikers rank this welcoming path “The Best Hiking Trail in Albuquerque.”
Rinconada Canyon Trail
7601 St Josephs Ave
Albuquerque, NM 87120
If it doesn’t offer the stunning array of petroglyphs found at Boca Negra, this close-in hike will give you a brief but satisfying hit of the human and cultural history of the region. Located only minutes from Old Town Albuquerque, it’s a moderately strenuous hike that will reward the intrepid with wildlife sightings, the rugged glory of the New Mexico landscape, and not least the eerie beauty of the petroglyphs, carved into these ancient rocks many hundreds of years before today.
