La Luz to Crest Hike
In Sandia Mountain West Region

Map File Source: NG Topo

Hike Key: H10332
Last Updated: 12/15/2020 12:00am
Last Updated By: Marilyn Warrant
Hike Class: E (Most difficult)
Hike Distance: 7 mi
Minimum Elevation: 7055 ft
Elevation Change: 3575 ft
Total Uphill: 4830 ft
Total Downhill: 1260 ft
Avg. Grade: 17 %
Route Type: Oneway
On Trail: Yes
Paved or Gravel Roads: Yes
GPS Advised: No
Drive Distance Round Trip: 20 mi
Drive Time One-Way: 0:30
Hiking Seasons: Spring and Fall
New Mexico Game Unit: 8
Hike Status: Published

Highlights

A challenging hike with spectacular views; towers of granite; ponderosa/aspen/blue spruce forests.

Cautions

Steep, so hiking poles recommended.

Trailhead Directions

In Albuquerque go to Tramway Blvd (SR 556). On Tramway Blvd go to Forest Hwy 333 which at the north end of Tramway in the bend to the west to I-25. Follow 333 northeast into the canyon following signs to La Luz trailhead and PARK (0.0 mi) there.

Actual Hike

Follow the La Luz trail past the way TO OVERLOOK (2.8 mi) to the ROCKY ASCENT (4.8 mi). At the intersection with the CREST SPUR trail (6.4 mi), take a left. Continue on the Crest Spur Trail to the CREST (7.0 mi).

Comments

To do this one-way hike, most hiking groups arrange for the van driver to drop off the hikers at the PARK location, then drive up to the CREST to pick them up.

The Sandia Ranger District has set a 25-hiker limit for this area.

The hike data were obtained from the National Geographic TOPO digital elevation model.

Waypoints

PARK: N35 13.185, W106 28.860
TO OVERLOOK: N35 12.696, W106 27.991
ROCKY ASCENT: N35 12.446, W106 27.313
CREST SPUR: N35 12.277, W106 26.849
CREST: N35 12.589, W106 26.912

Map Filename: LaLuzToCrestMap_MW.JPG
Hike GPS File Name: LaLuzToCrest_MW.gpx
Hike GPS File: Click link to download hike waytrack file

Text Author: Carl Gervais
Map Author: Marilyn Warrant
Waypoints Author: Dick Brown
Track Author: Marilyn Warrant
Maintainer: Bill Gloyd
Editor: Marilyn Warrant