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Willow Creek Trailhead and Open Space
4.8 ★★★★★ 314 Google reviews · Running trail in Rio Rancho, New Mexico · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 78 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Willow Creek Trailhead and Open Space'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.
Kid-friendly open-space area featuring wooded areas, trails and spots for dog walkers.
What runners say about Willow Creek Trailhead and Open Space
“The trails were in great condition and lots of information displays on hand for us to learn from!”
“Lots of sandy areas and beautiful stretches of winding single track in the bosque.”
“Very pretty trails with lots of shade and easy to access paths.”
Gravel road to parking lot. Keep in mind, google Map will only lead you to gravel road. Parking for approx 30 vehicles. Nice well maintained paths. Some great spots with benches to rest and enjoy Rio Grande views with nature. Along the trail, you get direct access to river
Very pretty trails with lots of shade and easy to access paths. You get to see the Rio Grande and awesome mountain range view in under 20 minutes.
Great trail. Flat, partially shaded 1.8mi loop that passes the Rio Grande. Great off street parking as well.
This is a beautiful walk with short trails to the river's edge. At dusk, one can hear the coyotes.
Trail conditions & character
“You get to see the Rio Grande and awesome mountain range view in under 20 minutes.”
“I had a hard time getting shots without people in them or without someone running to catch their off-leash dog (sigh).”
“Very pretty trails with lots of shade and easy to access paths.”
“There were stretches with even terrain and gravel path and then there were arroyos with big up and down areas.”
“Lots of sandy areas and beautiful stretches of winding single track in the bosque.”
“We did the loop two times in a relaxed pace and it was worth it in the cloudy semi windy breezy weather.”
Plan your run at Willow Creek Trailhead and Open Space
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance78 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiterrnm.gov
- Phone(505) 891-5015
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 Rio Rancho
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rio Rancho Bosque Preserve - Riverside Dr Entrance
4.8 ★★★★★ 246 reviews
Nature preserve featuring river views, trails, and ample parking, plus fishing and kayaking.
Rio Rancho/Corrales Bosque Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 69 reviews
Family-friendly spot for walking, cycling and fishing, plus kayaking.
Trailhead Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 233 reviews
Park featuring walking trails, scenic mountain views, and a playground.
Mesa Contenta Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 91 reviews
Shady park featuring playground equipment, a picnic area, tennis courts and a walking trail.