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Eye of the Sandias
4.5 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Running trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Eye of the Sandias' 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.
Hiking area known for a canyon and sunset views.
What runners say about Eye of the Sandias
“It was about 4 miles moderate to difficult hikes if you take the whole loop, but definitely worth it with some great views.”
“While it was a bit challenging to stay on the path at times, the trail was mostly well-marked and easy to follow.”
First: DON'T FOLLOW The GOOGLE MAP!! It will take you to a wrong place. You have to go "Copper Trailhead" and start from there. It was about 4 miles moderate to difficult hikes if you take the whole loop, but definitely worth it with some great views. Trails are not well marked and you could lost the way.
Suitable for novice hikers. About 4 hour hike. A friend of mine suggested going here, and I was not disappointed. I got off trail going up but eventually found my way to the Eye of Sandia, making the experience better.
This loop trail was pretty awesome. It was interesting having the serenity off the mountains and still being able to hear the city to a degree while on the don't of the mountain. Once you get towards the back of the eye it becomes more solitary. The was a couple beautifully interesting finds as well.
The hike to the Eye of the Sandias was fun and challenging. It was about a 4-mile loop with 1500 feet of elevation gain. The Eye was really cool to see. It was definitely worth the effort to get there.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail leads to a canyon between foothills with trees and shade if you continue going east from the parking area.”
“It was about 4 miles moderate to difficult hikes if you take the whole loop, but definitely worth it with some great views.”
“It was about 4 miles moderate to difficult hikes if you take the whole loop, but definitely worth it with some great views.”
“My advice is you have to climb the rocks at the very top otherwise it’s not worth the hike.”
“While it was a bit challenging to stay on the path at times, the trail was mostly well-marked and easy to follow.”
Plan your run at Eye of the Sandias
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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