- LOCATION: Take Tramway to the Juan Tabo Recreation Area turnoff. Turn right and follow signs to the parking area. There is a parking fee of $3 per car.
- ROUND-TRIP DISTANCE: 16 miles
- DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. Take plenty of water and high-energy food, and give yourself plenty of time to descend before darkness.
- STARTING ELEVATION: 7,000
- HIGH POINT: 10,378 (At the junction of La Luz and Spur Trail 84, you can choose to go left to the Sandia Crest House, the highest point in the Sandias at 10,678 feet.)
- BEST SEASONS: Late spring, summer and well into fall.
- HAZARDS: Be prepared for unexpected weather changes and a full day of hiking if you plan to reach the crest. Take rain gear and warm jackets, and make sure everyone in your party is physically up to the challenge. Hiking part way and turning around is a good plan when first starting out. Always stay on the trail.
- MAPS: Sandia Mountain Wilderness, Cibola National Forest (Available at Sandia Ranger Station. Call 281-3304.)
- Printable map
La Luz Trail - Outdoor
If you are up to the challenge of a hike through four life zones, that climbs from 7,080 feet to 10,280 in just under eight miles, La Luz Trail offers you an alpine escape from the concrete jungle. On weekends, the trail is crowded with day hikers, joggers and their pets. The trail switchbacks upward among granite spires, ponderosa pines, and quaking aspens. Near the top, the trail forks. The right fork takes you to Sandia Crest; the left fork terminates at the Sandia Peak Tramway . Take along plenty of water, a hat and good hiking shoes.
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