Day Hike: 10K / Ellis / South Crest Loop (Part 2) ~ Sandia Mountains ~ Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Friday, June 9, 2017

After being forced to bail out of this hike a week ago, due to storm clouds and thunder, we came back out to the 10K Trailhead today to finish our loop hike. The day’s weather was in complete cooperation with our hiking plans, but signage and lack of signage would present some unexpected challenges! 🙂

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Trail Condition: Old La Luz Trail ~ Sandia Mountains ~ Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Hiked the old trail again this morning.

Sections 1, 2, and 3 are all clear of snow/ice.

Section 4 is clear for the first 3/4 of the way, then some snow, packed snow, but almost no ice. For the most part, I was able to walk along the edges of the packed snow for most of the way, but decided to put on my spikes for the last 1/10th. of a mile or so. A couple of other hikers did the whole section without spikes. Yaks would work on this packed snow. Should be all clear in another week or so.

The main La Luz Trail is all clear up to The Five.

The Five is clear of snow/ice up to the rock slide.

Day Hike: Old La Luz Trail to The Five ~ Sandia Mountains ~ Albuquerque, New Mexico ~ USA

February 19, 2015

The Old La Luz Trail is my get-back-in-shape hike after being relatively inactive all winter. At around 6.5 miles round-trip, an elevation gain of 2,000′, and an average grade of 12%, it provides a really good workout.  My first hike was on Feb. 8th. Then hiked it again on the 19th.

Map: Old La Luz Trail ~ Sandia Mountains ~ Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

“Old La Luz to The Five” Trail Map

Day Hike: Crest Spur / La Luz / Gravel Pit Loop ~ Sandia Mountains ~ New Mexico, USA

Yesterday morning, drove up to the Crest House in the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque for a loop hike with the ASCHG.

Hiked the Crest Spur Trail to where it met the La Luz Trail. Then followed the La Luz up to the Sandia Peak Tram. After a short break, took the Gravel Pit Trail through the woods to where it met the trail that leads to the Kiwanis Cabin and then up to the cabin for a lunch stop. After lunch, we hiked back into the woods and then back up to the Crest House, although I am not certain as to the name of the trail, but I think it was the Gravel Pit to the Crest Trail.

Day Hike: La Luz Trail ~ Sandia Mountains ~ New Mexico, USA

Most challenging hike, yet! Hiked the La Luz Trail on April 11, 2012. Trail head is at 7,000 ft. (2,133m) and crest is at 10,300 feet (3,139m), so there is an elevation gain of 3,300 feet (1,005m). Total round-trip distance is 15 miles (24km), but had to turn back at the 5 mile (8km) mark due to snow and ice, so only hiked 10 miles (16km) round-trip and only 2,000 feet (609m) elevation gain. My feet hurt when this was over — good thing we didn’t go all the way to the crest!! 😉 Will revisit this hike later, now that the snow and ice has melted.

Click Here to go to a map that shows the Old La Luz Trail (shortcut) and main La Luz Trail on the same map, complete with information, pics, and navigation aids to help you locate and hike the old trail and cut 1.9 miles off your trek to the five mile marker.