ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) — Albuquerque is home to a myriad of open spaces scattered throughout the city. These spaces offer a convenient way to get back into nature without venturing out of town.
KRQE has compiled a list of these open spaces. You can find it below:
Aldo Leopold Forest
A forest approximately 53 acres extending from the north boundary of the Nature Center to the southeast side of the Montaño Bridge. It was dedicated to Aldo Leopold on Feb. 15, 2009. He is “considered the father of modern wildlife ecology.” The city said Leopold’s efforts eventually led to the creation of the Rio Grande Zoological Park, Botanical Gardens, and the Rio Grande Nature Center.
Boca Negra Canyon
A canyon provides easy access for anyone wanting to view petroglyphs. There are three developed trails ranging from 5 minutes to 30 minutes round trip.
East Mountain Open Space
The East Mountain Space consists of five different areas:
- Carolino Canyon
- 40-acre facility requiring group reservations
- Juan Tomas Open Space
- 1,290-acre area with elevations ranging from 7,300 feet to 7,760 feet
- Tres Pistolas (Three Guns Springs)
- 105-acre property with elevation from 6,140 feet to 6,400 feet
- John A. Milne & Gutierrez Canyon Open Space
- 300 acres with elevation from 6,100 feet to 7,600 feet
- San Antonito Open Space
- A 168-acre property among the earliest pieces to be set aside by the city for the enjoyment of nature
Elena Gallegos Open Space
A 640-acre park with an elevation of about 6,500 feet. The landscape supports piñon-juniper habitat, including chamisa, Apache plume, scrub oak, cane cholla cactus, blue grama grass, bear grass, and soapweed yucca.
Montessa Park
577 acres in the South Valley housing the Open Space Administration Offices, the Brent Baca Memorial Disc Golf Course, an off-leash dog park, and a special use off-road vehicle park.
Open Space Farmlands
The Open Space Farmlands consists of five areas:
- Candelaria Nature Preserve
- Albuquerque’s Open Space Division’s first piece of farmland
- Los Poblanos Fields Open Space
- 138-acre farm west of 4th St on Montaño Road
- Hubbell Oxbow Farm
- 87-acre parcel of South Valley farmland just outside of Albuquerque city limits
- Alamo Farm
- 20-acre North Valley farm
- Open Space Visitor Center Farm
- 24-acre farm ideal for watching Sandhill Cranes
Paseo de la Mesa Trail
Recommended for advanced riders and hikers, the trails pass through varied volcanic and geologic features. Closed on May 19 to be re-repaved.
Paseo del Bosque Trail
- Access points:
- Alameda Boulevard
- Paseo del Norte
- Montaño Road
- Campbell Road
- Central Avenue NE
- Marquez Street
- Rio Bravo Boulevard
Petroglyph National Monument
One of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. You can view designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers from 400 to 700 years ago.
Piedras Marcadas Canyon
Up to 400 petroglyphs can be seen along this 1.5-mile round-trip trail. This is considered the densest concentration of petroglyphs at the monument.
Rio Grande Valley State Park
4,300-acre park extending from Sandia Pueblo to Isleta Pueblo. Located on both the east and west of the Rio Grande.
San Antonio Oxbow Bluffs
One of the Open Space Division’s newest acquisitions on the westside. Phase one is currently underway.
Sandoval County Open Space
The Los Duendes Trail
A 2.25-mile trail loop on the north mesa accessible through La Madera Road.
Placitas
560-acre parcel is popular with Placitas residents.
Tijeras Cultural Corridor
Locations:
- City’s Singing Arrow Community Center and archaeological site
- City’s Open Space Route 66
- Tijeras Education Center
- Carnué Land Grant Hall
- Bernalillo County Open Space Tijeras Remediation Site
- Village of Tijeras Camino Primera Agua Par
Volcanoes
Formed over 100,000 years ago and now managed by the National Park Service.
West Mesa Open Space
Contains multiple areas:…