Trail of the Week: La Luz Trail, Albuquerque, New Mexico
A tough climb that puts you above 10,000 feet in the hills of New Mexico.
Our Trail of the Week feature is made possible through a partnership with Trail Run Project.
The trail starts on 2 miles of paved road which climbs 1,000 feet. The last 7 miles on trail includes some rockslide areas & lots of switchbacks. This race travels through the Sandia Mountain Wilderness Area.
The trail is well-worn and marked. The lower trail is crisscrossed by a spider web of secondary trails. Just stay on the most worn path. This is a strenuous climb from the start and should not be tackled without some preparation and the proper equipment. The peak is much cooler than the trailhead, especially in the spring and fall. Warm layers should be carried. There are no points on this trail to collect water and during the summer it can be very hot. Runners should carry at least two quarts of water per person and plan for lunch or snacks along the way.
This can be done as a one-way or an out-and-back. Mileage shown is for a one-way trip. One-way runners can enjoy a tram ride down from the peak for $12. Out-and-back runners should plan for an early start to have light for their descent.
The Albuquerque Road Runners club puts on the annual (and very popular) La Luz Trail Run on this route every year. This year’s race is Aug. 2 and is sold out.
The Data
Miles: 7.7
Runnable: 81 percent
Average Grade: 9 percent
Total Ascent: 3,467
Total Descent: -213
Highest Elevation: 10,287 feet
For a closer look, check out the interactive map, data, photos and virtual run simulator courtesy of Trail Run Project: