Albuquerque Open Space Lands
Albuquerque Open Space is mostly comprised of lands acquired by the City of Albuquerque. Open Space also includes properties owned by other entities and co-managed by the Open Space Division. Each piece of land contains a number of areas that provide the public with a variety of facilities and uses.
IN THE NEWS:
- The Open Space System grows by 78 acres on Albuquerque's West side. (12/2007)
- City expands Gutierrez Canyon Open Space by 420 acres. This property will be known collectively as the John A. Milne/Gutierrez Canyon Open Space. (1/2008)
MAPS:
Open Space Visitor Center
The Open Space Visitor Center is a premier facility on the west side of Albuquerque. It offers interpretive exhibits and information about the Open Space program. The Visitor Center has exhibits interpreting the amazing natural and cultural resources Open Space protects. It also features an art gallery, 24 acres of agricultural fields, and stunning views of the Sandia Mountains.
The Open Space Visitor Center also offers comfortable indoor and outdoor viewing areas where you can watch wildlife year round, and Sandhill cranes and other migratory birds during their fall and winter migratory season.
Sandia Foothills Open Space
The Sandia Foothills Open Space contains approximately 2,650 acres of
steep sloped hills intersected by gravelly drainages at the base of the
Sandia Mountains. It contains the following areas:
- Elena Gallegos / Albert G. Simms Park
- Embudito Trailhead provides access to the Embudito Trail #192 & Foothills Trail #365.
- Bear Canyon Arroyo is a natural arroyo with hiking and mountain biking trails.
- Piedra Lisa Trailhead provides access to Trail #365 and Foothills Trail.
- Embudo Canyon Trailhead provides access to Embudo Trail #193 & Foothills Trail #365.
- Copper Trailhead provides access to Foothills Trail.
- Manzano Open Space / Four Hills has hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails.
Rio Grande Valley State Park
This 4,300-acre park extends from Sandia Pueblo in the north through Albuquerque and south to Isleta Pueblo. It contains the following areas:
- Alameda / Rio Grande Open Space is a wetlands area that provides access to the Paseo Del Bosque Trail. An ADA compliant trail and picnic area is now complete and open for all to enjoy!
- Calabacillas Arroyo contains a trailhead and parking for the Rio Grande Valley State Park.
- Rio Grande Nature Center (RGNC)
is a wonderful and
educational visitor center and provides access to a paved, multi-use
trail. - Pueblo Montano Picnic Area and Trailhead offers an accessible trail, 3 picnic tables, and access to the bosque.
- Shining River Parking Area provides access to the Paseo del Bosque Trail and ample parking for all visitors including horse trailers.
- Rio Bravo Fishing Pier & Nature Trail provides access to a picnic area, the Paseo del Bosque Trail, and a fully accessible fishing pier.
- Rio del Norte Picnic Area is a fully accessible picnic area and short loop trail north of the Central Ave. bridge.
Open Space Farmlands
Albuquerque's Open Space Farmlands provide unique opportunities to enjoy farming and farm landscapes, educational activities, wildlife, recreation, and special events...all within the City!
- Alamo Farm preserves a cottonwood bosque and farms a portion of its 20-acre North Valley land.
- Los Poblanos Fields is a 138-acre North Valley farm purchased by the citizens of Albuquerque.
- Candelaria Farm Preserve grow crops for dairy cows and for visiting wildlife.
- Hubbell Oxbow Farm is an 87-acre parcel of South Valley farmland.
- The Open Space Visitor Center Farm is a 24 acre working farm managed as a wildlife preserve.
West Mesa Open Space
The West Mesa Open Space is comprised of a number of areas included within the Petroglyph National Monument and large tracts adjacent to the Monument that remain under the sole management of the City.
- Petroglyph National Monument
contains a number of areas of cultural and geologic importance.
- Piedras Marcadas Canyon provides trails to ancient petroglyphs.
- Boca Negra Canyon has three trails leading to ancient petroglyphs.
- Rinconada Canyon has a 1.3 mile trail leading to ancient petroglyphs.
- Volcanoes - the remains of five extinct volcanic cores.
- Grasslands Preserve is undeveloped and closed to the public.
- Shooting Range Park is a fee area for target shooting.
- Boca Negra Horseman's Complex
- George J. Maloof Memorial Air Park
East Mountain Open Space
Most of the East Mountain Open Space areas have no developed facilities.
- Tres Pistolas (Three Gun Springs)
- San Antonito
- John A. Milne/Gutierrez Canyon Open Space
- Juan Thomas
- Carolino Canyon contains 2 picnic areas that can accommodate up to 250 people. Group reservations are required.
Montessa Park
This South Valley park has no formal trail routes or developed facilities. It contains the following areas:
- Open Space Division Administrative Offices
- Off-Road Vehicle Area is the only area in the Open Space system available for off-road driving.
- The Brent Baca Memorial Disc Golf
Course is a collaborative project between the City of Albuquerque
Open Space Division and the New Mexico Disc Golf Club.
- Off-Leash Dog Park
Sandoval County
The Open Space Division owns two areas in Sandoval County:
- Golden has no facilities or trails and has remained relatively undisturbed.
- Placitas offers low-impact recreational opportunities and is popular with local residents.