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Pino Trail
Hiking Trail
Hard
9.1 mi
2,820 ft
From a public park to high-elevation wilderness along the Sandia Crest.
Pino Trail climbs from the high desert of Albuquerque into subalpine forest on the Sandia Crest, through different vegetation zones along the way. When not in the trees, views are of rocky peaks all around and the city far below. It ends at a saddle on the crest, which is thick with scrub oak, but a rock outcrop provides an elevated vantage. This saddle is also the junction with Crest Trail, which continues north and south, making extended hikes possible.
Pino Trail begins in Elena Gallegos Open Space, which charges a small entry fee and has amenities like toilets, picnic tables, and plenty of parking. The trail stays in this park only briefly before entering the Sandia Mountains Wilderness of Cibola National Forest. As it climbs higher into the mountains, the path is fairly easy to follow but overgrown in places. It's open year round, though the higher elevations are usually snowy from December through May. Keep in mind that summer brings the dangers of both extreme heat and thunderstorms, so starting very early is best. Written by Jesse Weber
Pino Trail climbs from the high desert of Albuquerque into subalpine forest on the Sandia Crest, through different vegetation zones along the way. When not in the trees, views are of rocky peaks all around and the city far below. It ends at a saddle on the crest, which is thick with scrub oak, but a rock outcrop provides an elevated vantage. This saddle is also the junction with Crest Trail, which continues north and south, making extended hikes possible.
Pino Trail begins in Elena Gallegos Open Space, which charges a small entry fee and has amenities like toilets, picnic tables, and plenty of parking. The trail stays in this park only briefly before entering the Sandia Mountains Wilderness of Cibola National Forest. As it climbs higher into the mountains, the path is fairly easy to follow but overgrown in places. It's open year round, though the higher elevations are usually snowy from December through May. Keep in mind that summer brings the dangers of both extreme heat and thunderstorms, so starting very early is best. Written by Jesse Weber
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pino Trail | 9.32 mi | -2,612 ft | -0.0% |
| Pino Trail Up Hill | 4.54 mi | 2,566 ft | 10.7% |
| Pino Trail - Wilderness Boundary to top | 3.64 mi | 2,513 ft | 13.1% |
| Unnamed Rd Climb | 0.39 mi | 184 ft | 8.9% |
| Segment | 0.46 mi | 289 ft | 11.8% |
| Grand Enchantment Trail Climb | 0.34 mi | 213 ft | 11.9% |
| Grand Enchantment Trail Climb | 0.60 mi | 322 ft | 10.0% |