Forest Loop Road 445

Total Miles
5.8

Technical Rating

2

Easy

Best Time

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

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Forest Loop Road 445
6

Trail Overview

Forest Loop Road 445 leads from NM Highway 165 to the northern base of the Sandia Mountains and back to NM 165. The western side of the loop is more difficult with some washouts, arroyos and water ruts. The eastern side of the loop is easier. The northern trailhead of the difficult Piedra Lisa Hiking Trail 135 is at about the halfway point on this road. This trail climbs into the Sandia Mountains. There are numerous hiking and biking trails throughout the area. Some mountain bikers ride the entire loop.

Photos of Forest Loop Road 445

Forest Loop Road 445
Forest Loop Road 445

Difficulty

There are some deep ruts and washouts in spots.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

Jim F
Apr 22, 2025
2019 Yamaha XT250
Open
Dry, packed, and mostly smooth dirt road. There are some sections with ruts and large potholes, but nothing major.
Cameron Kwon
Dec 26, 2024
2024 Nissan Frontier
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Ruts and dips are getting deeper since last year. On 12/26/24 the road was hard packed.
Ricky Rios
Oct 26, 2024
4x4
Open
Dusty
Very easy trail with 1 steep climb that isn’t much. Took a little over an hour to complete
Steve B
Sep 28, 2024
2023 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Dusty

Access Description

The Placitas Trailhead is a parking area at the western end of the loop directly off NM 165.

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