Pino Trail Hiking Guide
Pino Trail is the Sandias' quieter alternative to La Luz. It starts in the Elena Gallegos Open Space at the foot of the mountains and follows Pino Canyon up from high desert into forest, then steepens hard over its final miles to meet the Crest Trail near the ridgeline. It gains almost as much as a small mountain, and in 2026, with the Crest area closed, it is one of the main routes the Forest Service points hikers toward.
Permit: City of Albuquerque Elena Gallegos Open Space parking fee: $1 per vehicle weekdays, $2 weekends, paid at the pay station
The Climb
The Forest Service lists Pino Trail at 4.72 miles one way with about 2,800 feet of gain to its junction with Crest Trail 130, so the out-and-back is about 9.4 miles. The lower canyon climbs gradually; the last two miles or so are steep and covered in loose gravel, which makes the descent slow and slippery. Many hikers turn around at a comfortable viewpoint rather than going all the way.
Water and Weather
The Forest Service warns that springs and streams in the Sandias are not a reliable source of water, so carry all you need. Storms move in quickly, especially during the July–September monsoon, when afternoon lightning is common on the upper mountain. Start early and be heading down by early afternoon in summer.
Crest Area Closure
Sandia Crest itself, several connecting trails and part of the Crest Trail are closed under a Forest Service order until January 15, 2027. The Forest Service has listed Pino as an alternative route during the closure. Check the Cibola National Forest alerts page before planning to continue along the Crest Trail from the top of Pino.
Parking and Fees
Pino Trail starts from the Elena Gallegos Open Space, off Tramway Boulevard via Simms Park Road. The City of Albuquerque charges $1 per vehicle on weekdays and $2 on weekends at the pay station. The open space is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April through October and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from November through March. There are no restrooms or potable water at the Pino trailhead itself.
Practicalities
Dogs are welcome; keep them leashed in the city open space. The lower canyon is a good winter hike when higher trails are snowbound, but the upper trail can be icy. Summer mornings are pleasant low down and hot by midday. Trekking poles help on the loose upper section.
Hiking tips for Pino Trail
- Carry all your water — Sandia springs are not reliable.
- Bring poles for the steep, loose gravel on the final two miles.
- Pay the $1 weekday or $2 weekend city parking fee at Elena Gallegos.
- Start early in monsoon season and be heading down by early afternoon.
- Turn around at a viewpoint if the full climb is too much — the lower canyon is lovely on its own.
Nearby trails to explore
- La Luz Trail
- Embudito Trail
- Tree Spring Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Pino Trail is a big Sandia climb with fewer crowds than La Luz. Use TrailMates to find Albuquerque hikers for an early start. Download the TrailMates app to connect.