Looking for a great Holiday Escape? This rugged lesser-used trail on the west side of the Sandia Mountains just might be the ticket for you to de-stress! If the snow hasn’t started falling yet, you can make your way all the way up to South Peak well in to December. So, if your tired of Holiday shopping and needing a getaway, make plans to hike this trail and you will soon feel like you are miles away from the city; literally and figuratively. For this hike I followed the trail all the way to south peak and stopped for lunch in one of the many aspen groves along the crest trail before heading back down to the city. There was water running in parts, but don’t count on it. To get there, take Montgomery Blvd east from Tramway. Continue to a four way stop where you will take Glenwood Hills drive north to Trailhead Rd. Take this road east to where it ends in a city parking lot. Be aware that the gate is locked after hours, so pay attention to the hours postings to avoid getting locked in.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
emb 1
Distance: 6.22 mi
Points: 501
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
emb 2
Distance: 0.85 mi
Points: 72
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
Above the creek bottom
Location: 35.134460, -106.473763
At this point you are above the creek. Several user trails leave from this area, but you will see a large rock outcropping to the east. Follow a trail around this and continue to the east.
Cairn
Location: 35.111675, -106.428391
This is the spot where I headed off towards South Peak. I was off trail until I intersected the trail which joins South Crest. The low brush would really scratch up bare legs.
City Views
Location: 35.134373, -106.473740
As you start to gain elevation, you will get nice views of the city.
Directional Sign
Location: 35.134033, -106.457634
When you enter the stream bed, look for this sign across the way marking the start of the rest of the trail.
Embudito TH and Parking
Location: 35.136307, -106.481941
Make sure you check the hours of operation before parking. In the Winter the gate is locked at 7PM and in the Summer at 9PM. If you are late, you will get locked in. There are several trails. Follow the one that goes to the east up on the berm.
Fire Clearly Visable
Location: 35.114376, -106.432495
On the way down I got another pic of the fire. This time you can see it easily. The fire was human caused and took out 1/2 acre before it was put out.
Oso Pass
Location: 35.117676, -106.443207
This is the intersection with 3-gun spring trail and whitewash trail. Follow the sign to stay on Embudito.
Sign Post
Location: 35.117706, -106.443230
Intersection with 3-Gun trail.
Smoke
Location: 35.115448, -106.433342
Look closely for the start of the wildfire.
South Crest to South Peak
Location: 35.116425, -106.428040
This trail to south peak is not marked, but look for a trail heading NW up a clearing and this is a good trail to follow towards the peak.
South Crest Trail
Location: 35.110989, -106.427155
This is the terminal point of Embudito.
South Crest Trail Sign Post
Location: 35.110985, -106.427185
Looking south down the trail.
South Peak
Location: 35.120502, -106.430725
This is the spot!
South Peak View 1
Location: 35.120533, -106.430801
Looking down on the City.
South Peak View 2
Location: 35.120815, -106.430969
This is looking North.
South Peak View 3
Location: 35.120815, -106.430748
Zoom in on the city. Tramway is clearly visable.
strm
Location: 35.133850, -106.457649
Trail Sign
Location: 35.135956, -106.478935
Stay on the trail. Do not follow user trails up the arroyo.
Trail Sign
Location: 35.135887, -106.478851
There are several user trails. Make sure you stay on the trail that heads to the north towards the trail that skirts above the canyon. Stay on the trail next to this sign.
View 1
Location: 35.118526, -106.443642
Enjoy views to the north
View 2
Location: 35.115406, -106.433357
At this point I caught a pic of a wildfire just starting.
View of the Manzanos
Location: 35.111042, -106.427071
Looking south you can see the Manzano Mountains.
View to the north
Location: 35.118668, -106.443573
These views are only seen from this trail.
Water
Location: 35.131256, -106.455849
I found water flowing here, but do not count on it.
Water 2
Location: 35.123962, -106.445251
Water was flowing in places up to this spot.
Wilderness Boundary
Location: 35.135227, -106.480164
There is a portal indicating that you are entering the wilderness.
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Tracks/Routes:
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