Since the Copper Trailhead doesn't have its own entry, this is a combo review. Copper is considered relatively easy. The caveat is that the final approach to the U-Mound gets more complex and I gave up. But there's a consolation prize: the term "U-Mound" is apparently also used to refer to the general rocks in the vicinity, which are approachable via the easy trails. Given the incomplete maps online and reviews of the difficult trails around Embudo, the TL;DR take is that you should look for the 401 trail if you're into scenery but not trying to re-enact some grim 2012-era Sundance movie. There are many elevation options. While I didn't see wildflowers in April, there was a great cacti assortment. Geography note: there are buses relatively close to Copper Trailhead but the ABQ Ride schedule is not generous. As of press time there were no post-sunset buses so I took Lyft. read more

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This was my first weekend ever mountain biking, and this was my first experience ever at Embudo Canyon Trailhead. They had two parking lots, one in the upper area, and a parking lot right next to the trailhead. Sports Systems had a tent in the upper lot and they were demo'ing the e-bikes for that morning. We passed on that with excitement to hit the trail. We applied our sunscreen and geared up for a ride. The weather was perfect! We were a group of 4, and we hit the trail. We were 15-20 minutes into our initial climb and I realized I wasn't ready for such intensity. I've been a road bike rider for many years, but mountain biking is a whole different animal. Once we were in the trail a ways, it became a bit easier to navigate. However, the ride back to the parking lot was uphill almost the whole way. We rode about a total of 3.5 miles. I enjoyed seeing the walkers with dogs, the joggers, and other extreme fit mountain bike riders. The views were spectacular of the mountains and also looking over the city. In my opinion, I would say this was not for novice mountain bike riders. I was a bit out of my league here. Unfortunately, I even took a fall at the very end with the parking lot in view. All is good thankfully. read more

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First time at this little trailhead and it was definitely worth checking out. I've been trying to be more intentional about spending time at the open spaces and enjoying all of the great outdoor space the city has to offer. This area is family, friendly with a ride of different trails and pet friendly as well. Like other areas in the foothills do you have to watch out for cacti and other hazards. Still enjoying the views is worth getting out here. There's a good amount of parking and additional parking further out. read more

Came here on a weekend morning around 9:30AM, parking lot was pretty full. People around for cleanup, didn't see many people on the trail. Beginning of trail was boring but once in the canyon, it was a lot more interesting. Not very steep, good hike. There's a bunch of hikes starting from this trailhead, including some flat ones that don't go into the canyon. read more

Take Indian School Road to the mountain and you will find this amazing trial head! I have found at least 5 different trials varying from 1 mile to 10 miles. Some challenging, strenuous and some you can do after work. These trials minutes from the city have beautiful mountain and city views. There are quick hikes, day hikes and multiple day hikes. read more

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Embudo is a truly amazing area! The views are spectacular. Not only can you see the mountains up close, you can also get a fantastic view of the city. This area is very unique in that the trailhead butts up against a park. The park is extremely well maintained. I highly recommend visiting around sunset. It is one of the most amazing sunsets I've ever seen. Plus the park has automatic lights that go on once it is completely dark. (Hint: great place for a romantic date for free!) It is in a great neighborhood and a very safe location! Also, there is a lot of hills so this is one to bookmark in case of snow for sledding or for flying a kite and rolling around in the sun! The park is excellently maintained but signs closer to the trailhead indicate that snakes have been seen before so keep that in mind in season. This would be a really fun park for picnics! read more

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Really nice open space. Lots of trails of all difficulties. Want to walk on relatively flat areas? Check! Want to climb some serious hills and get a cardio work out? No problem! Want to do some mountain biking or even bring your horse out for a nice ride? Gotcha! The Embudo Canyon Trailhead is a great gateway to the Sandia Mountains and all the wild areas that are part of that. From here, you can hike all the way to the Sandia Crest, or even to Placitas and beyond. I'm not quite there yet, but this is a great place to get out and see what New Mexico has to offer for wild areas. A few words of caution: 1. The altitude can be really hard, if you are not used to it. 2. In the summer, the sun is rough. Bring lots of water. 3. Similarly, the sun at this altitude and latitude is intense. Bring lots of sunscreen. 4. Watch out for hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders, depending on where you are. Other than that, enjoy!! read more

This morning (8/20) between 9:20AM and 10:20AM, 3 cars were broken into on Indian School Road at the entrance to the Indian School Rocks trailhead. Just a heads up. We were parked in the first (unmarked) parking area, not the main parking lot. read more

A great spot for a day hike during the winter, spring and fall, and terrific to watch a the sun rise or set in the summer. There are two parking areas in the same basic vicinity, an actual official lot to the north, and the dead end where Indian School road just stops. The latter is where I always end up. Why? Because I'm not complicated, man. I'm a fan of simplicity. The beauty, and simplicity, of Albuquerque's foothills are their convenience and access free-of-charge. Have a rough day in the office? Feeling like escaping the concrete jungle? Hey, the scrub brush canyons are right up the block. Remember, just head east on Indian School. Like the parking areas, the official hiking spots are simply suggested. I've never understood why New Mexico's hiking trails -- throughout the state -- are so miserably marked, but I'm guessing it has something to do with our lack of trees and foliage. All I know is, in areas like Embudo Canyon, I might begin on an actual trail but somewhere along the line, say 20 minutes in, I'll realize I've wandered way off, because all of a sudden there's cactus and a steep boulder and no footprints. The Sandia Mountain foothills: choose your own adventure. As long as you have enough daylight and monsoon rains don't threaten your stay, no worries. Mountain bikes and horses are allowed around here, as well. Beware of maraca-shaking snakes. I also strongly advise against any attempt to dwell in these hills for extended periods of time. RIP, James Boyd. read more

When it comes down to hiking in the Sandia Foothills I think most of the attention is given to La Luz Trail and Elena Gallegos, and sometimes I hear about the Pino Trail and Domingo Baca Trail. But somehow I don't hear much about the Embudo Canyon Trailhead which I decided to visit this past Saturday 1/4, and does not disappoint! Perhaps an overlooked gem of a playground for hiker enthusiasts and the occasional trail-head adventure seeker around the foothills, this trail and routes are just as fun. From Tramway take Indian School Rd NE heading east towards the mountains, passing through the residential area as you drive uphill, and of course slow down as you drive through about 50 speed bumps before you get there! At the end of the road you will come to a small parking area located to the right by the main gate for the Open Space trail. You can park there, or just keep driving pass the gate proceed on the small road to enter the main bigger parking lot. Parking is free so get your spot. Weather was nice for January, in the mi-60's. With signs alerting you of the possibility of encountering cougars, bears, rattlesnakes, don't let that stop you from exploring around. I am sure you have your latest vaccinations up to date and are not wearing perfume or cologne for your hike. Right? At the top of the trail is approximately 7,879 ft, and the lowest point 6,192 ft. You can get a gain of 1,712 ft on the ascent. So head east on the trail towards the mountain, then in just under a mile you will enter and pass the Embudo Spring (and with water around depending on the season you can see a mini waterfall there). Proceed east on trail as it carves into the mountain, after 1.2 miles keep an eye on the trail that connects from the south also, that takes you back to main parking lot. The one way trip should be about 3.3 miles approximately. On your way back you can either return on same trail you came in, (out and back) or you can do the loop, which is after 4.5 miles approximately pay attention to the trail as it splits a path to the left, if you take that trail takes you back around to the main parking lot for a 6.6 mile loop approximately. For those who seek a bit more of an adventure of exploring, bouldering and climbing around you can wonder off in any direction off the trail. Let's face it, because no one is going to tell us how to live our lives a little fun is always on the menu right? lol! JK! #donttellmehowtolivemylife . For example, just after the Embudo Spring, (if you are heading east) we made a left turn up the rocks, and started climbing all the way up, finding the best path you can, sometimes straight up, sometimes zigzagging left and right. Some was challenging, with hopping, jumping, some dragging your body around on the ground, under rocks, through bushes, and watching where you step because you don't want to quickly become part of the beautiful landscape 1,500 ft below you! But very rewarding views from the top, and as always appreciating the surroundings. We climbed back down from the back side of the canyon, also encountering more hiking challenges, various animal tracks, small, skeleton remains and plenty cactus to avoid! Definitely a fun playground to return for more. Remember, always be safe, bring water snacks, and consider your level of fitness as these trails can be physically demanding. Stay active, get out and move! read more

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Being new to ABQ I was looking for a quick hike. The foothills are very nice and have good views of the city. I went it the middle of summer on a 100 degree day. I didn't last long but, saw tons of bikers on this path that were crushing it! Bring LOTS of water if you are here in the summer. I definitely heard rattlesnakes... be cautions with little ones and dogs. read more

Great work out for my impending long hike!