South Crest from Canyon Estates Hike
In Sandia Mountain South Region

Map File Source: NG Topo

Hike Key: H10189
Last Updated: 03/20/2023 2:38pm
Last Updated By: Marilyn Fixer
Hike Class: C (Challenging)
Hike Distance: 6.9 mi
Minimum Elevation: 6554 ft
Elevation Change: 1475 ft
Total Uphill: 1480 ft
Total Downhill: 1480 ft
Avg. Grade: 10 %
Route Type: InOut
On Trail: Yes
Paved or Gravel Roads: Yes
GPS Advised: No
Hiker Limit (NF/BLM/NP): 15 (Sandia Wilderness)
Drive Distance Round Trip: 40 mi
Drive Time One-Way: 0:30
Hiking Seasons: Spring, Fall, and Winter
New Mexico Game Unit: 8
Hike Status: Published

Highlights

Interesting views to the east and south. An east mountains hike fairly close to Albuquerque.

Cautions

Trail is steep and rocky at times, so trekking poles are recommended.

Trailhead Directions

I-40 east, then take Tijeras exit 175. DO NOT FOLLOW ROAD TO CEDAR CREST. Instead, go left, back under the highway and then right into Canyon Estates, follow main road all way to end at the trailhead and PARK (0.0 mi).

Actual Hike

After 15-20 minutes into hike follow sign to Travertine Falls and caves, then southeast and then west joining main Crest Trail 130 again. You will pass the top of the falls (TOPOFFALLS (0.5 mi)), and intersections with Faulty Trail (FAULTYTR (0.8 mi)) and Faulty Loop (FAULTYLP (1.8 mi)). Go at least until you can see over the other side down to the highway. Stop at LUNCH (3.4 mi),which is just after the trail becomes steeper.

Comments

After the switchback climb from Travertine Falls up to the second half of Faulty Loop, the trail becomes very gradual and easy. Views of the cement factory complex and town of Carnuel off to the south. If you go far enough you’ll get great views of Three Gun Spring Canyon, and Albuquerque.

Waypoints

PARK: N 35 05.388, W 106 23.475
TOPOFFALLS: N 35 05.711, W 106 23.636
FAULTYTR: N 35 05.851, W 106 23.834
FAULTYLP: N 35 05.928, W 106 24.351
LUNCH: N 35 05.405, W 106 25.306

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

Text Author: Roger Holloway
Map Author: John Boyd
Waypoints Author: Rodger Carlson
Track Author: John Boyd
Maintainer: Nancy Carr
Editor: Marilyn Warrant