The Sandia Crest area, including the Crest Spur from La Luz, is closed for hazard-tree and fuel work. La Luz itself remains open up to the Sandia Peak Tramway, but you cannot continue to Sandia Crest.
Expected reopening: January 15, 2027 (Forest Service order end date)
Confirm current status with the Cibola National Forest, Sandia Ranger District before visiting.
Open alternatives: Pino Trail · Tree Spring Trail
USDA Forest Service Order 03-03-05-26-02 (Sandia Crest area closure), April 30, 2026 to January 15, 2027; Forest Service project update of September 14, 2026.
La Luz Trail Hiking Guide
La Luz is Albuquerque's great mountain climb. It starts in piñon and juniper at the city's northeast edge, around 7,050 feet, and switchbacks up the west face of the Sandias through granite spires and talus fields into cool spruce-fir forest near the top of the Sandia Peak Tramway at about 10,378 feet. Many hikers go up on foot and ride the tram down. Either way, it is a mountain-sized day that starts at the edge of the city.
Permit: $5 per vehicle day-use fee at La Luz Trailhead (cash or check); Interagency passes accepted. The Sandia Peak Tramway ride down is a separate ticket.
The Climb
The Forest Service lists La Luz at 7.72 miles one way with about 3,775 feet of gain from the La Luz Trailhead; hiking it as an out-and-back makes a very long day of roughly 15 miles. Starting from the lower tram terminal instead adds distance for about 9.6 miles and 4,000 feet. The lower miles are sunny and hot, the middle crosses a talus field with awkward footing, and the upper switchbacks climb through forest to the tram.
Crest Closure
Under Forest Service Order 03-03-05-26-02, the Sandia Crest area is closed from April 30, 2026 to January 15, 2027 for hazard-tree and fuel work. The closure covers the Crest Recreation Site, the Crest Spur from La Luz and several connecting trails. The Forest Service says La Luz remains open up to the Sandia Peak Tramway, but you cannot continue to Sandia Crest. Friends of the Sandias expects smaller restrictions to continue into 2027.
Riding the Tram Down
The Sandia Peak Tramway runs Wednesday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting, with extended hours during the Balloon Fiesta in early October. A one-way adult ticket was $24 in 2026, plus a grounds fee. The tram base is not at the La Luz Trailhead, so arrange a car shuttle or a ride back. Only service animals can ride the tram, which means anyone hiking with a dog has to walk back down.
Heat, Storms and Snow
Start early. The lower trail is exposed and hot from late spring through summer, and there is no potable water at the trailhead. From July through September, afternoon monsoon storms bring lightning to the upper mountain; plan to be off the high trail by early afternoon. In winter, the upper trail can hold several feet of snow and needs crampons or snowshoes. The Forest Service notes that lost hikers are searched for and rescued every year.
Practicalities
The trailhead is on Forest Road 333 off Tramway Boulevard. The day-use fee is $5 per vehicle, cash or check only, and Interagency passes are accepted. Carry at least three litres of water, layers for the cold at the top, and a headlamp. The elevation — over 10,000 feet at the top — affects most visitors from sea level.
Hiking tips for La Luz Trail
- Turn around at the tram top — the Crest Spur to Sandia Crest is closed until January 15, 2027.
- Start at first light; the lower miles are exposed and hot.
- Be off the upper trail by early afternoon during the July–September monsoon.
- Arrange a shuttle between the tram base and the La Luz Trailhead if you ride down.
- Bring cash or a check for the $5 trailhead fee.
Nearby trails to explore
- Pino Trail
- Tree Spring Trail
- Embudito Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
La Luz is Albuquerque's bucket-list climb, and 3,775 feet goes by faster with company. Use TrailMates to find Albuquerque hikers for a dawn start. Download the TrailMates app to connect.