Field guide

Elena Gallegos Open Space parking and trail guide

Official information on Elena Gallegos Open Space parking fees, hours, and trails. Find details for runners and hikers visiting this 640-acre park.

By the Editorial TeamFacts last checked Oct 21, 2026Official sources only

Elena Gallegos Open Space is a 640-acre park located at an elevation of about 6,500 feet. The park provides public access to the Sandia Mountain Wilderness area.

This guide contains official information about the park's parking, entry fees, seasonal hours, and trail system for runners and hikers.

Official facts at a glance

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
Bikes allowed: Yes, on multi-use trails
Foot traffic only trails: Two trails for foot traffic only
Access to wilderness area: Access to the Sandia Mountain Wilderness area
Cottonwood Springs Trail features: Self-guiding trail accessible to all people, leading to a pond and wildlife blind
Cottonwood Springs Trail special features: Shaded rest stops with original art work

Source: Elena Gallegos Open Space (cabq.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.

Parking information and entry fees

The park's address is 7100 Tramway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122. Visitors must pay for entry at pay stations located at the trailheads.

The fee is $1 per vehicle on weekdays, from Monday to Friday. The fee is $2 per vehicle on weekends, Saturday and Sunday.

Seasonal hours of operation

The park has different operating hours depending on the time of year. Summer hours are from April 1 to October 31, when the park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Winter hours are in effect from November 1 to March 30. During this period, the park is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Trails for running and hiking

Runners and hikers can use a network of trails within the park. Some are designated as multi-use trails, where bicycles are also permitted.

The park also contains two trails that are for foot traffic only. For longer routes, the park provides access to the trail system of the Sandia Mountain Wilderness area.

The Cottonwood Springs Trail

The Cottonwood Springs Trail is a self-guiding trail that is accessible to all people. This trail leads to a pond and a wildlife blind, and it includes shaded rest stops with original art work.

Before you go

Confirm the correct seasonal hours before your visit.
Bring payment for the per vehicle entry fee.
Be prepared for activity at an elevation of about 6,500 feet.
Expect to share some multi-use trails with cyclists.
Note that two trails are reserved for foot traffic only.

Nearby options: running and active spots in Albuquerque. All cities: City running and hiking guides.