The 50 Mile Activity Loop is Albuquerque’s newest outdoor recreation asset. This on-street and multi-use trail route circles the city and provides cyclists, runners, pedestrians, and lovers of the outdoors with a view of the city neighborhoods, Sandia Mountains, and Rio Grande Valley that can’t be seen otherwise.
The Route
The 50 Mile Activity Loop starts in Albuquerque's historic downtown before crossing the Rio Grande river and heading north toward Petroglyph National Monument on the city's westside. Continuing north along the river, the route plateaus on the West Mesa, offering beautiful views of the North Valley and historic farmland. The route then returns to the river, navigating through the exquisite cottonwood-lined Bosque before bending eastward and gaining elevation toward the Sandia Mountains. Passing Balloon Fiesta Park, the 50 Mile Loop shares the scenic Tramway Road that runs toward the mountains, and offers an option to turn off for a ride on Albuquerque's Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway (this is a challenging segment with no shade! If you do the loop in the other direction, you will ride this segment going downhill. Consider doing this segment when it is cool out). After reaching the loop’s highest point near the intersection of County Line Road and Tramway, it's all downhill, traveling along the Sandia Mountains before heading west along arroyo channel trails, then winding through Albuquerque's North East Heights, Uptown and Historic Nob Hill Neighborhoods. After crossing world-famous Route 66, the route has a final downhill section back to the start point at Downtown Civic Plaza. Visit www.cabq.gov/bike to see a close-up map of the loop.
To complete the 50 Mile Activity Loop plan on bringing the following items:
· Plenty of water (there are limited opportunities to purchase water on the northern portion of Tramway Blvd.)
· Helmet and proper safety gear for cycling, rollerblading, etc.
· Lights, a trail map, spare tubes or a pump if you're cycling and a cell phone (recommended).
· Cash or a credit card to purchase food, drink, and souvenirs along your way.
More information about the 50 Mile Activity Loop can be found here.