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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.