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La Luz Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 489 Google reviews · Running trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from La Luz 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.
Rough hiking path offering sweeping vistas of the sprawling city.
What runners say about La Luz Trailhead
“Beautiful and challenging hiking trail with gorgeous views starting at the very beginning.”
“Switched over to winter clothes, because the ice and snow is in areas of shade, colder and much more windy.”
Please read all the reviews before embarking on this hike. Not for the faint hearted but absolutely amazing. We hike plenty and don’t own hiking sticks but on this hike I sure wished we did. There were some places when I sat on my butt and just slid down because I thought that was the safest way to get down.
Wow! Amazing hiking trail. As previous reviewers mention come prepared. For me it was less the difficulty of the terrain and more the 4000ft increase in elevation. I am pretty fit for a 40 year old but my legs were jello. That being said getting up to the crest was magical.
A tough hike for an old guy like me. With the heat now we left at 630 and it worked out well. Didn’t really get sun till we were close to the top. Bring lots of water. We left a car at the tram and took that down which is the way to go. It was really a beautiful hike and so close to Albuquerque.
Loved hiking La Luz trailhead at Sandia Peak in Albuquerque. No issues to park at the trailhead. There is a $5 daily use fee that can be paid electronically or by envelope with cash (old way).There is a “primitive” bathroom on the parking lot, but there are no other restrooms located along the trail.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail is very well maintained and as you go up the views of both the mountains and Albuquerque are breathtaking.”
“The parking lot next to the trail head has limited parking($3 per vehicle - cash or QR code for online payment) however there is a an over flow lot.”
“If you are a hiker, make sure that you adjust to the elevation before trying this trail or it'll just take you a lot longer to finish it.”
“Switched over to winter clothes, because the ice and snow is in areas of shade, colder and much more windy.”
“There is a “primitive” bathroom on the parking lot, but there are no other restrooms located along the trail.”
“Once topside, the crampons came off, as the last mile or so is relatively flat and sunny with little ice or snow.”
Plan your run at La Luz Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(505) 281-3304
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
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.
Grand Enchantment Trail - Tramway Trail Segment Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 67 reviews
Hiking range with a tramway as well as trails, offering city views, snacks and parking.
Sandia Peak Tramway
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2.7-mi aerial tram ride with Albuquerque & mountain views to a peak with trails, skiing & dining.
Pino Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 406 reviews
Scenic trail, good for hikers but also frequented by bikers.
Elena Gallegos Open Space
4.8 ★★★★★ 389 reviews
Easygoing park offering a series of mountain biking & hiking trails, mountain views & picnic spots.