La Luz Trailhead / Juan Tabo Picnic Ground Climb

The La Luz Trailhead Climb is a short but challenging addition to rides on northern Tramway Blvd., just north of the Tramway Bikepath. It has spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains: The Shield, The Needle, and the Sandia Crest and great views west. The La Luz Trailhead has USFS bathrooms but no water at the La Luz Trailhead. The ride is a simple out and back. It has pretty impressive close up views of the Sandia Mountains.

Getting There: Take the La Luz Trailhead / Juan Tabo Picnic Area north turnoff (sign) from Tramway Blvd (NM556) on the NE corner of Albuquerque NE of the Sandia Reservation about 4 east of I-25 and about 5 miles north of Montgomery.

Distance: 2 Miles, 975 ft Elevation gain.

Roadway: The upper portion of the 2-lane (barely) road is pretty rough making it a slower descent then it ought to be, especially on tandems. It is steeper than The Sandia Crest Road in places but not as steep as Heartbreak Hill (NM344).