La Luz to Tram Hike
In Sandia Mountain West Region

Map File Source: DeLorme

Hike Key: H10680
Last Updated: 12/15/2020 12:00am
Last Updated By: Marilyn Warrant
Hike Class: E (Most difficult)
Hike Distance: 7.5 mi
Minimum Elevation: 7140 ft
Elevation Change: 3130 ft
Total Uphill: 4350 ft
Total Downhill: 1130 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)

Actual Hike

Follow the La Luz trail past the way TO OVERLOOK (2.8 mi) to the ROCKY ASCENT (4.8 mi). Pass the intersection with the CREST SPUR (6.4 mi). The trail levels off here. Continue on the La Luz Trail to the TRAM (7.5 mi).

Comments

To do this one-way hike, place a vehicle at the lower tram terminal and pay $15 (11/21/2018) per person when you reach the upper tram terminal to ride the tram back down. Vehicle parking, if you reach the lower terminal toll booth after 8:00 am, is $1 (7/16/2010).

Hike data were obtained using 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
TRAM: N35 11.765, W106 26.057

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

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