Piedra Lisa





If there is one thing that is consistent with hiking in Albuquerque it is that you will always have a great view of the Sandias. But what about actually hiking the Sandias? I know you can drive to the top of it, and the tramway gives you great views, but I finally got the itch to hike up close and personal with it to see it’s beauty from multiple views. Thankfully right near the tramway is a trail that gives you not only great views, but a long moderately difficult hike, and the escape to nature that hikers love. Right near the Sandia I was lucky to discover the Piedra Lisa Trail.

About 30 to 45 minutes outside of Albuquerque the drive to this hike is not long at all, and as the Sandia becomes closer in the car the more excited you get to finally make it to the trailhead. The road to get to the parking lot was long, but thankfully the parking lot was large so finding a spot was very easy. There are multiple trail options, so despite the number of cars there I did not see many people and it felt very secluded. In spite of the multiple choices for which trail to do I chose the Piedra Lisa due to recommendations that it came with some of the best views.

The trail itself is 4 miles out and back, but like with any hike it can be made shorter. The terrain was mostly easy, but at points it did become rocky and narrow so good hiking shoes are a must. The 4 miles did not feel long at all, as I was finished before I realized it, but all the meant was more time to walk slower on the way back and take in all the scenery. No matter where you are along this trail there is always scenery in some aspect.

The Sandia is the obvious highlight, even from the parking lot. Before you even begin the hike, you look up and are greeted by the mountain peeking out above the trees. The trail itself provides great scenery as well with vibrant green pine trees, cactus, and rock formations randomly appear along the way. One of the secret surprises I was not expecting is on the way back I was able to see the city of Albuquerque from above. All in all, this was a well worth it hike that met every expectation I had going into it. Will I do it again? Yes, this is a must do hike that should find its way on to any hiker’s bucket list.

To follow more of my adventures find me on Instagram @ the_nm_tx

 

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