Sample the smooth singletrack of Albuquerque's North Foothills on this rolling, 11.9-mile loop that features several rock obstacles and up-close views of the Sandia Mountains.
Tucked into the foothills between Albuquerque and the Sandia Mountains, the North Foothills trail network—easily accessed from town—boasts hard-packed singletrack that weaves through cactus and piñon pine. This 11.9-mile loop features smooth singletrack, several rock obstacles, and a series of climbs and descents.
From the parking area at the Michael Emery Trailhead, follow the wide path to the east to a major trail fork; bear left to begin a clockwise loop. (As you ride, scan the hills for deer and bobcat, and watch the ground for snakes.) Less than 3 miles in, turn left at a T-junction to tackle a 4.6-mile out-and-back to a water tower—the final 0.4-mile push to the tower reaches grades up to 7.3 percent.
Catch your breath at the water tower, then turn around and descend back to the T-junction, continuing straight for an extended climb to the route's 6,736-foot high point. From here, the trail drops down piñon-studded slopes and reconnects with the first trail junction for the return trip to the trailhead.
-Mapped by Beck Johnston
TO TRAILHEAD: The ride begins at the Michael Emery Trailhead on High Desert Street.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
North Foothills
Distance: 11.91 mi
Points: 1748
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Points of Interest
NTH001
Location: 35.146108, -106.482841
From the Michael Emery Trailhead parking lot on High Desert Street, turn left on the paved path and follow to the wide dirt trail that leads into the foothills.
NTH002
Location: 35.145819, -106.482625
Turn left onto the wide dirt path that heads east.
NTH003
Location: 35.146141, -106.473334
Bear left at the trail fork and ride north to start a clockwise loop.
NTH004
Location: 35.150804, -106.472187
Cross the road and reconnect with the singletrack on the other side.
Location: 35.153532, -106.471663
Turn left at T-junction.
NTH007
Location: 35.153285, -106.472736
Bear right at Y-junction.
NTH008
Location: 35.161569, -106.474442
Cross Simms Park Road and continue north. The Elena Gallegos Picnic Area is located roughly 0.3 mile up the road.
NTH009
Location: 35.167754, -106.474053
Turn left at the T-junction (mile 2.7) for a 4.6-mile out-and-back to the water tower. To bypass this section, turn right.
NTH010
Location: 35.184809, -106.478395
Downshift for the final 0.4-mile push to the water tower. You'll encounter 7.3-percent grades.
NTH011
Location: 35.188514, -106.476531
Grab a drink and catch your breath at the water tower. Turn around and fly back to Waypoint 9.
NTH012
Location: 35.167676, -106.473937
The ride's major climb begins at mile 7.3. You'll gain 300 feet of elevation in the next 1.1 miles (a 5.2-percent grade).
NTH013
Location: 35.168678, -106.459140
Although the major climb is over at mile 8.4, the trail continues a rolling climb for another 0.3 mile to the ride's high point at 6,736 feet.
NTH014
Location: 35.165889, -106.456758
Crest the ride's high point, then begin a 1.1-mile descent.
NTH015
Location: 35.161328, -106.463850
Bear left at the Y-junction, heading south.
NTH016
Location: 35.153740, -106.469573
Bear left at the T-junction. Ahead, cross the road and continue south.
NTH018
Location: 35.146519, -106.468781
Bear right and descend back to Waypoint 3; continue straight at the junction to return to the parking lot.
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