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Copper Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 803 Google reviews · Running trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Copper Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicStroller / ADAFlat & fastHillyTrailhead parking

Scenic destination for hiking and mountain biking.

What runners say about Copper Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (803 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“The trailhead's facilities are well-maintained, with ample parking and informative signposts.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“The Cooper Trailhead in Albuquerque is a fantastic gateway to the stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures that the area has to offer.”

👟 good for all levels 4 mentions

“It's a family-friendly destination with options for picnicking and wildlife watching.”

Many thanks to the staff and volunteers who maintain Copper Trailhead! The trails are great for running, dog walking, or biking. I've had good experiences with other trail-goers who frequent Copper. It's a good spot in the city and well-maintained for the traffic.

★★★★★ — M. , May 2024

Nice trail úp a little mountain. It has trails through the local fauna also if, like me, you can't quite make it up the mountain. 🤣

★★★★★ — Kim , Apr 2022

A nice staple hike for a lot of locals. It's great for beginners and more advanced folks alike. Sort of a choose your own adventure with lots of different trails.

★★★★★ — Zach , Jun 2022

This trail is awesome. It is a series of braided trails and not maintained after the first half or so, so finding the "right" trail tends to be difficult. This trail is also quite steep with loose rock, so make sure you have good, grippy shoes! It is full sun and no shade so go when it's cool out.

★★★★★ — Phaedra , Mar 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 803 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

⛰️ Hills / elevation 16 mentions

“We don't hike often but found that this trail offers a steady but gradual incline with incredible views of Albuquerque, the volcanoes and Mt.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 16 mentions

“There is parking at the east end of Copper for about 6 cars plus street parking on the northside (going west) of the road for about 30 more cars.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 15 mentions

“The Cooper Trailhead in Albuquerque is a fantastic gateway to the stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures that the area has to offer.”

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Flat & fast 4 mentions

“Most of the ground is fairly level and to get to the type of rocks shown, it's less than a mile.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at Copper Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitecabq.gov
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 7 AM–7 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–7 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–7 PM
Thursday 7 AM–7 PM
Friday 7 AM–7 PM
Saturday 7 AM–7 PM
Sunday 7 AM–7 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Copper Trailhead

Parking lot, 15000 Copper Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

Get directions

Running trails near Albuquerque

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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Piedra Lisa Canyon Trailhead

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Well-known, dog-friendly trek with rock scrambles, for climbing, hiking and cycling.

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Manzano/Four Hills Open Space

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Hiking area with a series of sloping hills, featuring a variety of plants & wildlife.

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All running trails in Albuquerque, NM →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.