Tree Spring Trail Hiking Guide

The west face of the Sandias is sunbaked rock; the east side is forest. Tree Spring Trail, off the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway, is the easiest way into that forest: a steady two-mile climb through ponderosa pine and then spruce and fir, with shade most of the way and temperatures well below the city's. When Albuquerque hits the high 90s, this is where people go.

permit requireddog-friendly
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
3.9 mi
Elevation gain
1,039 ft
Trailhead
Sandia Park
shaded foresteast-side Sandiascool summer hikesnowshoeing in winter
springsummerfall

Permit: $5 per vehicle day-use fee at Tree Spring Trailhead, or an Interagency or New Mexico Enchantment Pass

The Trail

The Forest Service lists Tree Spring Trail at 1.97 miles one way with about 1,040 feet of gain, so the out-and-back is roughly 3.9 miles. The grade is moderate and steady, climbing through forest to its junction with the 10K Trail near the top of the mountain. It is a good introduction to hiking at altitude, since it starts high on the mountain.

Crest Area Closure

A Forest Service order closes Sandia Crest, the 10K Trailhead's south lot and several connecting trails until January 15, 2027, and closes NM-536 beyond the 10K Trailhead lot near mile marker 11. Tree Spring Trailhead sits well below that point, and no closure was listed for the trail itself in September 2026. Check the Cibola National Forest alerts page before extending your hike beyond the top of Tree Spring.

Getting There

Take I-40 east to Tijeras, then NM-14 north and NM-536, the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway, about five and a half miles up to the trailhead. In winter the road and the trail can be icy; chains or good tyres and trekking poles are wise. The trailhead has a pay station.

Seasons

Tree Spring shines in summer, when the shade and altitude make it far cooler than the city, and in autumn, when aspens higher on the mountain turn gold. Monsoon afternoons bring thunderstorms from July through September. In winter the trail is a popular snowshoe route. Black bears live in the Sandias; store food carefully and never feed wildlife.

Practicalities

The day-use fee is $5 per vehicle, or an Interagency or New Mexico Enchantment Pass. Camping is not allowed. Carry water and layers; weather at altitude can change quickly. Keep dogs under control and leash them around other hikers.

Hiking tips for Tree Spring Trail

  • Come in summer — the shaded east-side forest runs far cooler than Albuquerque.
  • Pay the $5 fee at the trailhead pay station, or display an Interagency or Enchantment Pass.
  • Check Cibola NF alerts before continuing past the top; the Crest area is closed until January 15, 2027.
  • Carry traction and poles in winter, when the road and trail ice over.
  • Watch the sky from July through September for afternoon monsoon storms.

Nearby trails to explore

  • La Luz Trail
  • Pino Trail
  • Embudito Trail

Hike this trail with TrailMates

Tree Spring is Albuquerque's favourite summer escape into the forest. Use TrailMates to find Albuquerque hikers heading up the east side of the Sandias. Download the TrailMates app to connect.