Field guide
Running and hiking near Albuquerque for visitors
Find practical info for running and hiking near Albuquerque. Learn about trails at Elena Gallegos Open Space and Petroglyph National Monument.
Albuquerque offers distinct environments for running and hiking. Visitors can choose between a large open space park at a higher elevation or a national monument with a specific cultural trail.
Elena Gallegos Open Space provides a 640-acre area with multiple trail options, including access to a wilderness area. Petroglyph National Monument features a defined hike focused on petroglyphs and area views.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elena Gallegos Open Space | Not listed | Nov. 1–March 30, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; April 1–Oct. 31, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Not listed |
| Petroglyph National Monument | 2.53 miles | Not listed | Not listed |
Elena Gallegos Open Space
This 640-acre park is located at an elevation of about 6,500 feet. It contains multi-use trails where bikes are allowed, as well as two trails designated for foot traffic only. The park provides access to the Sandia Mountain Wilderness area for longer excursions.
The Cottonwood Springs Trail is a self-guiding, accessible trail with shaded rest stops. It leads to a pond and a wildlife blind.
- Park size
- 640-acre park
- Address
- 7100 Tramway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122
- Elevation
- about 6,500 feet
- Winter hours
- Nov. 1–March 30, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Summer hours
- April 1–Oct. 31, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Entry fee (Mon-Fri)
- $1 per vehicle
- Entry fee (Sat-Sun)
- $2 per vehicle
- Parking payment method
- Pay stations at trailheads
Source: Elena Gallegos Open Space (cabq.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Elena Gallegos Open Space parking and trail guide
Petroglyph National Monument
At this location, the Piedras Marcadas Canyon trail is a 2.53-mile hike. The route offers views of numerous petroglyphs and the surrounding landscape. The trailhead is located at 9501 Golf Course Rd. NW.
- Place name
- Petroglyph National Monument
- Piedras Marcadas Canyon trailhead address
- 9501 Golf Course Rd. NW in Albuquerque
- Latitude and Longitude
- 35.188847, -106.685829
- Piedras Marcadas Canyon hike length
- 2.53 miles
- Event fee
- Free
- Drinking water recommendation
- Bring plenty of water
- Sun protection recommendation
- Bring sun protection
- Piedras Marcadas Canyon hike features
- Numerous petroglyphs and expansive views of the surrounding area
Source: Event Details (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Before you go
- Check the operating hours for Elena Gallegos Open Space, as they change between summer and winter seasons.
- Be prepared to pay for parking at Elena Gallegos, where pay stations are located at the trailheads.
- The per-vehicle entry fee at Elena Gallegos is $1 on weekdays and $2 on weekends.
- On multi-use trails at Elena Gallegos, expect to share the path with cyclists.
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection for your activity.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.