Hike Page

Upper La Luz Hike
In Sandia Mountain East Region


Map File Source: DeLorme

 map Hike Key: H10200
Last Updated: 12/15/2020 12:00am
Last Updated By: Marilyn Warrant
Hike Class: D (Difficult)
Hike Distance: 4.1 mi
Minimum Elevation: 9172 ft
Elevation Change: 1455 ft
Total Uphill: 1847 ft
Total Downhill: 1847 ft
Avg. Grade: 13 %
Route Type: InOut
On Trail: Yes
Paved or Gravel Roads: Yes
GPS Advised: No
Drive Distance Round Trip: 65 mi
Drive Time One-Way: 1:00
Hiking Seasons: Summer and Fall
New Mexico Game Unit: 8
Hike Status: Published

Highlights

One of the greatest short hikes with stupendous rock spires overlooking the city. It can be quite cool even in the hottest months because of the elevation.

Cautions

Hiking poles recommended.


Trailhead Directions

I-40 east to Tijeras exit. North on NM 14, west on Crest Road 536, and PARK (0.0 mi) all the way to the far end of the lower Crest parking lot. Pay fee there or put a Golden Age Passport on the dashboard.


Actual Hike

Start at the trailhead for Crest Spur Trail 84, which is at the top of the steps. Follow the trail down (west) using switchbacks and a concrete STAIRS (0.4 mi) to the junction with the main La Luz Trail at JCT CRST SPUR (0.6 mi). From here go down the La Luz Tr., using many switchbacks across a rockslide starting at TOP SLIDES (0.8 mi) until you get to where you can get a good view of the city below and beyond, and have LUNCH (2.1 mi).


Comments

One of the greatest short hikes with stupendous rock spires overlooking the city. It can be quite cool even in the hottest months because of the height and you start on the west side of the mountain that is in shade in the early morning. Be prepared for this, you might need warmer clothing to start.

The Sandia Ranger District has set a 25-hiker limit for the La Luz area.

Waypoints

PARK: N 35 12.570, W 106 26.921
STAIRS: N 35 12.442, W 106 26.921
JCT CRST SPUR: N 35 12.276, W 106 26.849
TOP SLIDES: N 35 12.308, W 106 26.884
LUNCH: N 35 12.401, W 106 27.338

Map Filename: UpperLaLuzImage_MW.jpg
Hike GPS File Name: UpperLaLuzWayTrack_JBMC.gpx
Hike GPS File: Click link to download hike waytrack file

Text Author: Roger Holloway
Map Author: Marilyn Warrant
Waypoints Author: Roger Holloway
Track Author: John Boyd
Maintainer: Bill Gloyd
Editor: Marilyn Warrant