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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a nice hike in the Sandias that can take you to the Crest Trail. If you want, you can continue on the Crest trail to the Tramway and take the easy way down the mountain. The trail is in good condition but there are some steep parts. Also there is a lot of shade which is much appreciated when the NM sun is out in full force. There are a few springs but you can't depend on them to be there in the dry months. You can expect to get some great views of the Sandias on the way up. Trailhead: The road to the trailhead is just North of the Tramway - Academy intersection in Albuquerque. There is a sign for Elena Gallegos Trailhead/ Picnic Area. Turn East and drive to the parking lot. There may be a small fee for parking. The trail is well marked. (Lat:35.33164 Lon:-106.47091) Trail Guides for Pino Trail: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Sandia Ranger District, 11776 Highway 337, Tijeras, NM 87059, (505) 281-3304 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Will Brown, who has posted 4 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Henry on 4/30/2009 Other than some jogging on the trails along the Rio Grande, this is the only trail I hiked while visiting Albuquerque for a week. The trail is in great shape all the way to the top. I was able to see more wildlife than I expected including chipmunks, morning doves, toads, a funny-looking squirrel with a nearly white tail and hairy ears, and even a white-tailed deer! A few blooming plants were seen along the way. I ran part of the way up, but being from TN I am just not used to the thin air. It took me nearly 2.5 hours to make it to the top. After taking in the incredible vistas, I decided to run back down as much as possible. I was able to make it back to the trail head in only one hour! I would definitely hike this trail again.
Reviewed by Kathleen on 3/18/2008 My husband and I tried this trail for the first time today. It was a nice break from the local Open Space hiking trails. The parking and picnic areas were well kept, and they had restroom facilities available. We didn't get too far up, but have plans to finish the entire trail and ride the tram down soon. There was quite a bit of scat on the trail, signs of wildlife in the area. We did not see any dogs feces along the way as some have mentioned before. (Stop and take a close look at the leavings on the trail. There is a disticnt difference between dog doo and scat.) As for the trail itself, a good circuit training trail...ups and downs and some flat areas. Love the landscape and the shade, just beware of the afternoon winds.
Reviewed by MD on 3/1/2008 First time on trails this week, and the trails were quite active with bikers, runner, dog-walkers. For a short hike at this time of year, the weather's perfect all day. Not much in bloom yet. The trail headed south has a bit more scenery (at least from what I could find hiking 1 hour in each direction). Unfortunately, not enough owners pick up after their dogs, which is the only thing to mar an otherwise great trail. 
Reviewed by LR on 1/4/2008 Extremely nice trail but too many loose dogs. I passed 20 dogs, only 5 on a leash. This makes it difficult when the trail is narrow as dogs run up against your legs(owners don't care) and practically knock you off the trail. I love this trail but the dog owners do not watch their dogs and don't care either. Also lots of dog feces on the trail. This is not a one time event, consistent loose dogs throughout summer of 2007. I haven't hiked recently due to this problem. Sunday is particularly bad.
Reviewed by sasha on 12/21/2006 super easy to find - once you turn off of tramway you'll wind around through a fancy neighborhood. this road ends at the park gate. parking fee was $1. my dog and i went today, dec. 21, 2006. snow everywhere! in some place nearly 2 feet deep. came across 2 other hikers and 4 cross country skiers. and 2 other dogs. we went about an hour in, and then back out - an easy comfortable hike. so quiet, in that certain way only snow muffles everything. an awesome trek for someone who wants an up-close encounter with the visual power of the sandias. we'll go back for sure. 
Reviewed by jrb on 6/13/2004 Great climb and views... good work out. Lots of shade, but bring water.
Reviewed by MM on 3/3/2004 When I hiked it in May the weather was wonderful. Make sure to pack plenty of water, perhaps a snack bar. When I got to the top it was cold and raining,but refreshing on such a hot day. I recommend this hike to beginners. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New Mexico Hiking, New Mexico Trails, New Mexico Hikes, Bernalillo County Hiking, Bernalillo County Trails, Bernalillo County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||