Near South Crest Trail #130
Meadow just below Kiwanis Cabin
Near South Crest Trail #130
Start of the La Luz Trail # 137.
Near South Crest Trail #130
South Sandia Crest
Near South Crest Trail #130
La Luz overlooks Albuquerque from the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway.
Near South Crest Trail #130
Sandia Crest Panorama 2

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

South Crest Trail #130

4.3 (14 Ratings)
A long slow climb following the Sandia Mountains ridge line.
15.9
mi
Distance
5,301
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Views
Access Issues
Upper portions of the trail will be snow covered in the winter. This trail can be closed in the summer due to fire danger. Visit the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands website for current alerts, closures, and warnings.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
15.88mi
Distance
5,301ft
Elevation Gain
1,221ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
10,635ft
High Point
6,547ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Trailhead: Take I-40 east from Albuquerque, and take the exit for South Tijeras. Turn left at the stop sign and go under the freeway. Turn right at the T-intersection onto Arrowhead Trail. Follow Arrowhead Trail about 0.7 miles to its end and look for the trailhead. This is a strenuous climb from the start and should not be tackled without some preparation and the proper equipment. The peak is much cooler than the trailhead, especially in the spring and fall. Warm layers should be carried. There are no points on this trail to collect water and during the summer it can be very hot. Hikers should carry at least two quarts of water per person and plan for lunch or snacks along the way. This can be done as a one-way or an out-and-back. Mileage shown is for a one-way trip. One-way hikers can enjoy a tram ride down from the peak for $12. Out-and-back hikers should plan for an overnight as this would be a challenge to complete in a single day.

Route Conditions

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All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
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Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Jason Fincher