In & Around Albuquerque

Family-Friendly Hikes and Trails In and Around Albuquerque

Lindsey Anderson

April 16, 2026

Guide to Family Hikes

The multitude of family-friendly hikes is one of my favorite things about Albuquerque!

My family absolutely loves hiking. We’re addicted to trying new trails and exploring our enchanting state.

Here are some of our favorite trails, plus recommendations from other ABQ Mom contributors.

So lace up those hiking shoes, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready to hit the trail!

What type of trail are you looking for?

Walking & Hiking Trails in Albuquerque

Petroglyph National Monument – Rinconada Canyon Trail

Hiking at Petroglyph is basically a scavenger hunt for kids! It’s a dream for families with young kids (and old!) because hikes are short, free, and right in town!

Unique Feature: Discover centuries-old petroglyphs etched by indigenous inhabitants
Best for: All ages
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.2 mi loop, often through sand
Bathrooms: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Fee: No
Travel Info: Located on Unser Blvd NW, parking is available at the trailhead
✨ Mom Tips: No shade, so bring water, sunscreen and hats. Ask for a Junior Ranger book at the Visitor Center (6510 Western Trail). When kids complete the set number of activities (based on age), they can earn a Junior Ranger badge!

Elena Gallegos Picnic Area – Pino Trail (Short Version)

There are multiple options for hiking along the west side of the Sandias, but our favorite is the Pino Trail (Short Version) from Elena Gallegos Picnic Area.

Unique Feature: The trail starts in the beautiful desert of northeast Albuquerque, then winds into piñon and juniper forests. Enjoy gorgeous views of the city on your hike down.
Best: All ages
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 3.3mi out and back, but you can shorten or lengthen as desired
Bathrooms: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Fee: $1-2
Travel Info: Access from Simms Park Rd NE, parking available at the picnic area
✨ ABQ Mom Pick: “Elena Gallegos is one of our favorites when we want to get out in nature but don’t want a long drive. It’s beautiful and has stunning vistas of the city. It’s also very kid-friendly.” – Paige Pacini

Petroglyph National Monument – Volcanoes Trail

Explore a different part of Petroglyph National Monument that doesn’t have petroglyphs, but encompasses the old volcanoes that dominate the Westside skyline.

Unique Feature: Hike around ancient volcanic cones with expansive views of the city
Best for: All ages
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3 mi. loop
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Fee: No
Travel Info: Located off Atrisco Vista Blvd NW, parking is available at the trailhead
✨ Mom Tip: No shade, so bring water, sunscreen, and hats. Ask for a Junior Ranger book at the Visitor Center (6510 Western Trail). When kids complete the set number of activities (based on age), they can earn a Junior Ranger badge!

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park – Aldo Leopold Loop Trail

We love wandering around the Bosque and seeing what we find, but if you need a specific trail, check out the Aldo Leopold Loop Trail in the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park.

Unique Feature: Wetland and riverside trails provide excellent birdwatching opportunities and beautiful cottonwood trees
Best for: All ages
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.3 mi
Bathrooms: Yes, inside the Nature Center
Dogs Allowed: No
Fee: $5
Travel Info: Located off Candelaria Rd NW, with parking at the Nature Center
✨ Mom Tip: Stop in the Nature Center to check out the kids’ room and learn about the plants and animals found in the Bosque. Stories Under the Cottonwood is a great monthly storytime, too!

Petroglyph – Boca Negra Canyon Trail

Unique Feature: Ancient Petroglyphs! Discover centuries-old rock carvings etched by indigenous inhabitants
Best for: Ages 5+
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Length: 0.7 mi.
Bathrooms: Yes
Dogs Allowed: No
Travel Info: Access from Unser Blvd. NW
✨ Mom Tip: Although each trail is very short and largely paved, they are steep and are not stroller-friendly. Keep an eye out for the famous macaw petroglyph! For more detailed information about hiking this area with kids, check out our guide to Boca Negra Canyon.

Corrales Bosque Preserve

Unique Feature: Tranquil riverside trails in a charming village setting
Best for: All ages
Difficulty: Easy
Length: As much or as little as you’d like!
Bathrooms: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Fees: No
Travel Info: Multiple access points, including Alameda Blvd NW and Corrales Rd

Bear Canyon Open Space Loop Trail

Unique Feature: An urban oasis featuring a network of trails surrounded by desert vegetation and stunning rock formations
Best for: All ages
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 2.9 mi. loop
Bathrooms: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Fee: No
Travel Info: Accessible from Juan Tabo Blvd NE, with parking available at the trailhead
✨ABQ Mom Pick: “I love taking my kids to hike in the Bear Canyon open space from Juan Tabo up to Tramway. It’s easy to get to, right in town. In late May or early June, the cacti have vibrant, beautiful purple blooms. The kids like the bear statue near Tramway. It feels like the perfect spot to stop and celebrate your accomplishment before you head back down.” – Katelyn Quanz

Tingley Beach – Bosque Loop Trail

Unique Feature: A leisurely stroll along the Rio Grande with fishing ponds and botanical gardens
Best for: All ages
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.6 mi.
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Travel Info: Entrance off Tingley Dr SW, parking available at Tingley Beach

Hidden Gems a Bit Further from Town

For those adventurous families willing to venture a bit further from Albuquerque, a trio of scenic delights awaits. Pack up the car, cue the road trip playlist, and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Doc Long Picnic Area – Faulty Trail

Unique Feature: Secluded picnic area nestled in the Cibola National Forest, surrounded by towering ponderosa pines
Best for: All ages
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.8 mi.
Bathrooms: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Fees: Yes, pay at the self-pay stations, or your America the Beautiful public lands pass works here too.
Travel Info: Located off NM-337, approximately 45 minutes from Albuquerque, with ample parking available
✨ ABQ Mom Pick: “Our family loves exploring the forest, and the shade and higher elevation make this hike a favorite in the hotter summer months. Since we have little kids, we usually only do about a ½ mile to 1-mile walk along the ravine and then hike back out. As they get older, I look forward to exploring more and more of the trail with them. We love packing lunch for the picnic area after a morning hike before driving back into town.” – Tammira Taylor

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks – Slot Canyon & Cave Loop Trail

One of the most epic family trails in New Mexico, wind through a slot canyon and wander through awe-inspiring tent rock formations at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Humans are thought to have settled near the monument around 5,500 BCE, growing to large ancestral pueblos by the 1400s. Their descendants, including the Cochiti Pueblo, still reside near the monument today and conduct sacred, traditional cultural practices at Kasha-Katuwe.

Unique Feature: Stunning tent rock formations, slot canyon, and a small human-formed ancient cave
Best for: Ages 6 and up
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.5 mi. loop
Bathrooms: Yes
Dogs Allowed: No
Fees: All visitors need a Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access pass ($10/child and $20/adult), as well as a reservation through recreation.gov (which can be covered by the America the Beautiful public lands pass or is $1-$6 per person).
✨ Mom Tip: We have a full guide on hiking Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks with kids. Reservations are required and regularly fill up. Book early! Also, the monument is closed for several weeks throughout the year for cultural observances.

Bandelier National Monument – Pueblo Loop Trail

Travel through time and visit this stunning national monument about 1.5 hours from Albuquerque. There are multiple trails throughout the monument, but the Pueblo Loop Trail is one of the most popular, passing ancient dwellings and cavates, human-formed caves. The Ancestral Puebloans who lived here from around 1100 to 1550 CE are the ancestors of many of the Pueblos that call New Mexico home today.

Unique Feature: Climb into cavates (human-formed caves) and walk past archaeological sites situated in a beautiful canyon
Best for: Ages 5 and up
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 mi. loop
Dogs Allowed: No
Fees: $15-25 (or use your America the Beautiful public lands pass)
✨ Mom Tip: We have a full guide on visiting Bandelier with kids. While the trail itself only takes about an hour to complete, there is often a line to enter the cavates. It’s worth waiting in line, but on a busy day like during Balloon Fiesta, be prepared to wait as long as 30 minutes. And don’t forget to ask for a Junior Ranger book at the Visitor Center. When kids complete the set number of activities (based on age), they can earn a Junior Ranger badge!

Trails with Waterfalls, Creeks, & Rivers

Cienega Picnic Area – Nature Trail

Just on the other side of the Sandia Mountains, the Cienega Picnic Area in the Cibola National Forest is the perfect escape in the heat of summer. Think aspen trees rustling in the breeze, tall pines, and a seasonal creek babbling along the Nature Trail. This is our favorite summer escape, only about 30 minutes outside the city! My kids can spend hours splashing in the creek, climbing logs, and wandering between the pines.

Unique Features: Small seasonal creek, cool mountain air, beautiful pines and aspens
Best for: All ages
Length: As much or as little as you’d like
Difficulty: Easy
Bathrooms: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Fees: Yes, pay at the self-pay stations, or your America the Beautiful public lands pass works here too.
Travel Info: From the Sandia Crest Road, turn left into the Cienega Canyon area. There are multiple parking lots, bathrooms, and trails, but we prefer to park near the end of the road by the Nature Trail.
✨ Mom Tip: I have occasionally spotted poison ivy here near the bridges, so watch your step.

Jemez Mountains – Jemez Falls Trail

This was the very first hike we did when moving back to New Mexico, and it’s still a favorite. About 1.5 hours from Albuquerque, this trailhead is a bit of a drive but worth it! Hike less than half a mile downhill to the falls and river. After splashing in the cool water, hike back up to your car.

Unique Features: Waterfall, river, and beautiful pine forests
Best for: All ages
Length: 0.8 mi. out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Bathrooms: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Fees: $5
Travel Info: Access from NM-4, around 1.5 hours from Albuquerque, with parking available at the trailhead
✨ Mom Tip: It’s much cooler in the mountains than in the city, so remember to pack coats just in case. And bring shoes to splash in the water. If you want more water adventures, the McCauley Hot Springs are accessible from the same parking area, a 3.3-mile hike round trip.

Jemez Mountains – Los Conchas Trail

Unique Feature: A scenic trail winding through lush forested canyons and alongside a babbling river
Best for: 6 and up
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.6 mi. out-and-back, but you can shorten as desired
Bathrooms: Not at this trailhead, but there are other bathrooms nearby, including the Jemez Falls area and the East Fork Trailhead
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Travel Info: Access from NM-4, around 1.5 hours from Albuquerque, with parking available at trailheads
✨ ABQ Mom Pick: “It’s an easy hike for both beginners and small children. The scenery is gorgeous with large boulders, bridges, and the sound of water. Such a peaceful place and the perfect day trip if you’re looking to get out of Albuquerque.” – Bianca Fiagua
✨ Mom Tip: Read more about hiking Las Conchas with kids.

Jemez Mountains – Spence Hot Springs

Unique Feature: Natural hot springs nestled in the heart of the Jemez Mountains, offering a relaxing soak with stunning views
Best for: Ages 10 and up (due to the hot springs)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 0.7 mi
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Travel Info: Located off NM-4, approximately 1.5 hours from Albuquerque, with a short hike to the hot springs.
✨ ABQ Mom Pick: “It’s fun at all times of the year. It has bridges and steps. It’s only about a mile and then you can relax in the warm springs. I’ve done this hike pregnant and with kiddos. Definitely bring water shoes for the slimy springs, just in case you don’t like to touch the bottom of the springs. The views are amazing!” – Jade Hernandez
✨ Mom Tip: Read more about great hot springs near Albuquerque.

Bike Trails

All of the following bike trails are paved (except Montessa Park, which is geared towards dirt bikes and ATVs). Even if you aren’t a biker, these trails make good options for wheelchair users or moms pushing strollers!

Bosque Bike Trail System

Unique Feature: Extensive network of riverside trails along the Rio Grande, perfect for family bike rides
Difficulty: Easy
Best for Kids: All ages
Travel Info: Access from multiple points along the Rio Grande, with parking available at key trailheads
✨ ABQ Mom Pick: “We love biking the Bosque. We start at Alameda and head south to Paseo. I love that everyone is so considerate and welcoming to the littles on the trail. Especially beautiful in the fall time when the leaves are changing. My kids love being able to navigate this path on their own without having me worry about car traffic.” – Rachel Sherman
✨ABQ Mom Tip: For more info on the Bosque trail, check out this reel!

Tramway Trail

Unique Feature: Lovely mountain views and the flattest ride you’ll find on the east side of town
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: 8 and up
Travel Info: The trail runs along Tramway Boulevard, with multiple access points and parking available.
✨Mom Tip: This is a great bike path, especially if you live on the Eastside, but it crosses several busy intersections. Watch for traffic and keep a close eye on kids.

Paseo del Norte Trail

Unique Feature: A well-maintained trail running parallel to Paseo del Norte, providing a smooth biking experience.
Difficulty: Hard (when riding east)
Best for: 10 and up
Travel Info: The trail runs along Paseo del Norte, with multiple access points and parking available.
✨ Mom Tip: Biking westward on this trail is lovely, but the ride back east is steep! There are also several large intersections riders must cross. Watch carefully for cars.

North Diversion Channel Trail

Unique Feature: Urban trail connecting the UNM area to Balloon Fiesta Park with public art installations.
Difficulty: Easy
Best for Kids: All ages
Travel Info: Access from various points, including Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE, with parking available

Montessa Park – Mountain Bike Trails

Unique Feature: Thrilling mountain bike trails are suitable for beginners
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best for Kids: 10 and up
Good for Dogs: No pets allowed on bike trails
Travel Info: Entrance on Blake Rd SW, parking available near the bike trails

Albuquerque’s trails are gateways to family fun, exploration, exercise, and connection with the great outdoors. So grab your sense of adventure and start exploring with your little ones! Happy hiking and biking, ABQ Moms!