Approach

The trail head for the La Luz is located at the Juan Tabo Picnic area, the directions for which are found on the main page.

Route Description

Reaching Sandia Crest via the La Luz trail is very straightforward. Simply follow the La Luz, a well-worn and well-marked trail. Several smaller trails branch off the La Luz from time to time, but it is always obvious which trail is the main one.

From the trail head, the trail ascends countless switchbacks up a broad slope covered with scrub brush and few trees. In the summer, this is the hottest part of the hike. Don't worry, you will soon climb out of this zone and into shadier, alpine settings above. After the climb of this initial section, the trail levels out for a while, crosses a small stream, and begins climbing again. After another section of climbing, the trail begins to enter La Cueva Canyon, a steep canyon closed in by towering granite crags on either side. Once inside La Cueva Canyon, the trail begins switching back again and proceeds over small broken granite blocks in places, which have been known to turn an ankle or two.

Eventually, the trail climbs up to the southern edge of the canyon, where the trail forks. To reach the crest, turn left and proceed for another mile or so. If you would like to ride the tram car down, take trail on the right side, which leads to the upper tram house. If you do decide to take the tram down, be advised that the trail head and the lower tram house are in two different locations. A nice trail links these two places together, with about two to three miles of hiking in between.

For those going to the crest, you will find a visitors center and small restaurant where you can purchase water and snacks. This is where the road up the east side ends, so you will be asked by countless tourists "you mean you hiked all the way up here?!?" To descend, simply reverse the route.

Essential Gear

No technical equipment required. Bring rain gear, as thunderstorms are known to develop to the east of the mountains, out of view of persons hiking up the La Luz until it is too late.

In winter, dress warmly and consider bringing snowshoes if there is heavy snowpack.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.

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