Walking Trails in Albuquerque

Walking is a great way to get low impact exercise while maintaining a healthy and positive well-being. Some days a stroll around the neighborhood is all you need for a daily dose of sunshine, but when you are looking for extended time in the fresh air, these walking paths may just do the trick. 

The walking paths mentioned below are multi-purpose, mostly paved, flat trails that are closed to automotive traffic. They make for great family walks, jogs and cycling. With numerous paths throughout the city’s neighborhoods, there is one closer than you think. 

With the current public health orders in place, it is important to limit group congregations to 5 people, and practice social distancing with anyone outside of your household by remaining at least 6 feet apart as recommended by the New Mexico Department of Health. 

Academy Hills Park Loop

This 1-mile loop is great for a quick walk with the family. Nestled around the perimeter of Academy Hills Park, it is located near the cross streets of Eubank Boulevard and Juan Tabo Boulevard.

Image Source: AllTrails.com

Alameda Drain Trail

The Alameda Drain Trail is a relaxing tree-lined trail along Alameda’s drainage system. The path navigates through downtown’s residential area, and includes several small parks along the route. 

Bear Canyon Arroyo Trail

Located off Morris Street and Osuna Road, this path follows the perimeter of El Oso Grande Park’s sports fields, making for great open visibility. The full-length trail stretches from Juan Tabo Boulevard to the Arroyo del Oso Golf Course. 

Embudo Recreation Trail

Situated along the Embudo Arroyo, this walk extends from Tramway Boulevard to Morris Street, where it merges with both the Paseo de las Montañas and Tramway Recreation trails. 

I-40 Trail

While you may not walk the entire 17.7-mile route, there are multiple places to hop on the trail. Extending from east to west the entire length of the city, this path is a great way to see things like the tricentennial tower at Rio Grande Boulevard, or some of the unique interstate landscaping. 

Image Source: Marble Street Studio

Mariposa Basin Recreation Diversion Trail

Surrounded by athletic fields and playgrounds in the Taylor Ranch Community on Albuquerque’s Westside, this trail is great for the whole family whether on foot or by bike. If you want to extend your afternoon out, you can also catch the nearby Boca Negra and Riverview trails. 

North Diversion Channel Trail

Start at Balloon Fiesta Park, and end at the University of New Mexico while taking in the views of the Sandia Mountains and Albuquerque’s urban skyline. This trail also connects with the east to west running Paseo del Nordeste Recreation Trail and the Paseo del Norte Trail.

Paseo del Bosque

One of the most iconic trails in the city, Paseo del Bosque follows the Rio Grande with 16 miles of paved path as well as intertwining dirt trails. Surrounded by lush greenery, and the sights and sounds of the Rio Grande Conservation Center and the Albuquerque BioPark, there is so much one might see on this outdoor adventure.

Image Source: Dirt Road Travels 

Paseo de las Montañas

Running through the Northeast Heights, this path will take you toward the Sandia foothills and right past Winrock Center. It follows the Piedra Lisa Arroyo and connects with the Embudo Recreation Trail near Morris Street. 

Paseo de Mesa Trail

Stroll along the West Mesa of Northwest Albuquerque, and embrace the distant views of mountain ranges and extinct volcanoes. Watch out for a lizard or two as you walk along the desert vegetation-lined trail. 

Paseo de Nordeste Trail

Branching off the North Diversion Channel Trail, this route runs along the Hahn Arroyo, and works its way up to Pennsylvania Avenue. Take a lunch break at Montgomery Park, a great mid-trail resting point.

Sandia Science and Technology Trail

Situated along Manzano Mesa Park and Multigenerational Center, practice light exercise on the park’s lush green grass, or visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History conveniently located on the trail route.

Tramway Trail

Running parallel to the Sandia Mountains, this trail runs the length of Tramway Boulevard, and  makes for a perfect sunset walk that overlooks the entire city. 

Trail Details 

Trail Name 

Trail Length One-Way

Trail End Points

For a complete map of the city's trails please click here.