la luz trail

Not far from the city, but completely wild - the La Luz trail is gorgeous, steep, a real challenge. Beautiful weekend hike.

The La Luz trail is one of the best and most challenging hikes in ABQ. You can either start the hike at the base of the tram or from the official trailhead of Forest Road 333. I recommend the former. The trail starts in the tram parking lot near of the top of the road leading up to the upper parking lot. There is a wooden board there showing a map and labeling the trailhead so its hard to miss. It's about a 2-2.5 mile hike across the foothills to the point where the trail meets up with the official La Luz trail. The trail is clearly marked so it's hard to get lost. Once the trails meet up, you have another 7 miles to go to the top. The first third is largely switchbacks with a dirt trail. The second third takes you through some high desert forest. The final third is switchbacks over a large rock slide. The third part is the hardest of all since you've already done 6 miles and the rocks make for uneven terrain. Once you get past the rock slide, you are rewarded with a flat and soft trail that runs below the summit through some woods and ends at the tram. There a great views throughout the hike but the best ones are after the rock slide.Once you get to the top, you can ride the tram down for $12. You can also grab a beer and nachos at the restaurant bar if you feel like rewarding yourself.This is a great trail to start early in the summer since while the temperature goes up during the day, you'll be gaining altitude with which helps offset the heat. The final part of the trail is largely shaded as well. The best trail runners can do the trail in 2hrs while it will take about 3.5hrs for a brisk hiker with minimal stops. A weekend warrior should plan about 5-6hrs for the hike as you'll want to take breaks. Be sure to bring lots of water and some snacks as well.This trail is typically has snow on it up until mid May which can be dangerous as there are numerous drop offs. Additionally, during droughts the forest may be closed due to fire dangers so be sure to check beforehand. If you're looking for another good hike, try TWA Canyon as well.

Let me preface this by saying I'm an ABQ native and used to the elevation. That said, I'm not super in shape, but I'm not a couch potato, either both times I hiked this trail it kicked my butt. The first hike was in mid-February. It had been pretty warm in ABQ the week prior, but the trail was still snowy and icy--it was downright dangerous in some spots. We were prepared with poles, but it would have been safer to have had crampons. It took us nearly 8 hours in the conditions. We chose to head to the tram rather than go to the Crest House.The second time was late summer, and we started around 7 am, finished up around noon with frequent stops to enjoy the scenery (i.e. rest). This hike was more straightforward with none of the dangers presented with the snow and ice. The danger here would have been the heat if we'd been out later in the day. The trail is exposed for much of the hike, and the sun will beat down on you. Again, we chose the trail to the tram over the one to the Crest House.Despite everything, the views are magnificent and the sense of accomplishment after hiking La Luz is real. If you're in decent shape and can handle some altitude, give this trail a shot.

How beautiful a trail. Up and through the wonderful awe inspiring foot hills of the Sandia Mountains. If you like to hike, this is the trail for you. Be sure to- follow the rules- stay on the trail... carry plenty of water and snacks, dress in layers, charge that phone n keep it with you, and wear good climbing shoes... The operative words however are STAY ON THE TRAIL- every year we have to invest our resources to rescue someone who thought they knew better.... don't let that be you.

Took a group of Scouts up the trail as a conditioning hike in preparation for a trek at Philmont Scout Ranch. This hike will kick your butt. It is 8 miles and you go up 3,000 feet in elevation. If you haven't acclimated make sure you do before doing this hike. You are starting at 7,000 feet above sea level and hiking to 10,000 feet. One of the most challenging and beautiful hikes I have done.

It's a great hike, but you have to be carefull and pay attention to where your at. People have been killed in falls, died of exposure and gotten lost on/off the trail. Otherwisw it's great

Whether you want to hike the La Luz or bike up to the parking lot, you will be challenged. But at the top, the views are amazing - one of a kind - and gives you bragging rights forever

La Luz is one of the best hiking trails in the southwest. It starts off with many switchbacks and sunny but eventually you'll hit the cool trees. It's not very crowded and has amazing vistas. Make sure you dress in layers, bring water/snacks, and stay on the trail. Plan out your hike, especially if it's to the top(10,000+ feet). You can take the tram down, but no dogs on the tram and there's seasonal operating hours(check ahead). Highly recommend anytime of the year.

We started our hike from where the tramway parking lot it. You must hike the tramway trail (about 2.6 miles) in order to get to this trail. Once you get to this point you must hike an additional 7 miles to reach the summit and take the tram back down. There is also a La Luz parking lot and I believe it is 8 miles to reach summit (but you will not be parked where the tram lets you off). The La Luz trail is very difficult to do in the winter months due to the snow (about one foot deep). You MUST have snow shoes to hike otherwise you will not reach the top. We only hiked to about 1/2 mile up the La Luz trail (so 3.6 miles each way). We turned around so soon not because the snow (not that high yet so snow was very manageable) but because we were getting sun burned and did not bring enough water. So please wear sunscreen (even if it's cold) and bring about a gallon of water per person if you plan to climb to the top. Dress in layers as the weather chances drastically (hot, cold, windy). Otherwise, enjoy.

Great hike up into the Sandias. Terrain and steepness changes as you move up the trail. A litlle crowded on weekends. Other surrounding trails aren't as popular and you have a better chance of seeing wildlife on these trails

My first time to hike and walk/ hike for a total of 8 hours. We really didn't plan to finish all the way to the top but the mountain is so enchanting that we wanted to see more of its beauty. And its all worth it, the body aches after the hike, its all worth it.

Took the tram up and hiked down. Keep in mind if you park at the tram station you will need to take the Tramway Trail (about 2.6 miles from the La Luz trail intersection).Lots of beautiful scenery so bring your camera along. Varied terrain from flat smooth trails to very rugged and rocky crossings. Watch the cacti along the Tramway Trail, spent 15 minutes picking it out of my wife's leg!Going downhill is less of an aerobic workout but a bit harder on the knees and calf muscles. Provide yourself ample time to actually enjoy the hike!

Not highly traveled, but I felt safe as a woman walking alone along the river. Homes and schools are near, but just far enough to give your walk or run a far away into nature feeling. The rushing water sounds were soothing all the way along the trail.

It is a challenge to do this one - 8 miles up to the top. Go to the top and take the tram down so it is easier on the knees.

Unless you hike up and take the tram down, or take the tram up and hike down, it is 7.5 miles one way (15 round trip), so be prepared. We hiked up & down, forget the tram, experience the entire 15. Suggestions, take a camera, the views are tremendous. Get there early, 15 car parking lot fills up fast; $3 parking fee. Those with bad knees or ankles should reconsider La Luz as the upper portion (2.5 miles) has rocks that creates an uneven surface. Take water, you will get thirsty; no water along the trail. Not a steep hike, just long and the rocks at the top can slow your pace. Unfortunately this is also a "running" trail and you have to constantly be aware of the runners. Wear a good pair of hiking pants to deflect the cactus spines that edge the trail. There are two lookouts where you can, sit peacefully, eat a snack, take in the beauty, and relax. For hardcore hikers, this is a great bang for your buck!