elena gallegos park

On one of our first days in Albuquerque we - my husband, my daughter and I- went to Elena Gallegos Park to see the Sandia Mountain closer. It was fun to walk in the trails and realise we were 6,000 feet+ high. We had to slow down to adapt to the altitude. It must be special to be there at sunset.

A great area for an easy hike - and take your dog! My family likes to take sandwiches for a quick picnic in the outdoors yet close to town. This is the high desert so dress in layers and stay hydrated!

Beautiful place- used to love to go there when the clouds were low on the mountain. It was foggy, the air was cool and moist... it smelled amazing- then the murders started happening... gangs using it to "erase" their problems. Tragic, once again, the scum of the earth has taken away something else we love...

The Elena Gallegos Park is part of the Open Space System. The parks elevation of around 6,500, make it possible for views of Mt. Taylor (West), the Jemez Mountains to the North, and the Tijeras Arroy to the South... Moreover, the Sandia Mountians, tower to the East at over 10,000 feet in Elevation. The landscape and ecology include the pinon Juniper, Chamisa, Apache Plume, Scrub Oak, Cane Cholla Catus, Blue Grama Grass, Bear Grass, and the Soapweed Yucca. The hours are as follow: Winter (November through March), 7:00 AM-7 ;00 PMand the Summer Hours are (April through October), 7:00 AM 9:00 PMThe fee for parking Monday-Friday is $1.00 per vehicle, and Saturday and Sundaythe fee for parking is $2.00 per vehicle. The park is beautiful, full of breath taking views, and it is quiet and serene. The park has coyote, bears, and sometimes, cougars, be aware of your surroundings.Bring, water, food, and your CAMERA. Kiwanis Reservation Area and Double Shelter Reservation Area offer large picnic areas see the website for info/ rates for Reserving. Each of the two areas have grills, volleyball net, horseshoe pit, running water, electricity and restrooms. Carolino Canyon Reservation Area.40 acres, Upper Picnic, shelter with fireplace, tree shaded tables, grills, restrooms, electricity, and Water (I was at this area), the Lower Picnic Area is similar, but not as nice as we past it. The playing field, Volleyball, tetherball, and horsehoes are first come first serve. Trip with my Mother, to New Mexico, 05/2012, no children, category not below.

A gem in Albuquerque's backyard. Multiple trails for hiking, biking, birdwatching, trail running 365 days a year! Lots of picnic tables and shelters to enjoy yourself after your choice activity.

The park and general area is a great place to spend time and hike, relax, picnic and take in all the great scenery. You can even do some bouldering close by, and above the park is some great rock climbing. You can do it all.

This was the perfect park to start our trip out with. We aren't used to this Elevation so a very challenging walk could be dangerous, we did this little jaunt on trail 305a to 366 and it was still a great trail to get some exercise on but didn't overextend us. There were many more trails in the area and the scenery was gorgeous. We have a full week here and we will for sure be back. Easy to get to from the city as well. I would highly recommend this to others.

Excellent scenic hiking trails right on the edge of northeast Albuquerque. Trails are well groomed and gradual enough for even the most novice hiker. Along the way, there are numerous great views of the Sandias.

Excellent place close to Albuquerque, and yet able to get away from people. You can hike, bike or ride horses up into the Sandias. In the summer make sure you carry enough water. Many couples have held their weddings here.

Albuquerque is one of the most under-rated urban riding destinations, and this park is a big part of that. Sick desert singletrack trails.

There are lovely picnic areas and lots of opportunities for hiking at all levels. I go there very often.

There are miles and miles of trails in this ABQ open space. Most of the trails are easy hiking. If you go more than a very short distance, I highly recommend a map. Many of the trails connect to each other and you can get turned around pretty quick if you're not careful. But the trails re well marked.There are picnic areas and some short paved paths for quick visitors. The view of the mountains and also the view of the volcanoes and the city are amazing. I hike through Elena Gallegos a few times a year and it never gets old. Fees are negligible. $1 per car during the week, $2 per car on the weekend and holidays. There are even several parking areas. So drive around a bit till you find the picnic area you want or the best view of the city.

Whoever had the forethought to preserve this magnificent land, should be given a gold medal. Elena Gallegos is part of the larger Open Space lands within the City of Albuquerque. There is a $1 fee for a car load on weekdays and $2 on Weekends. What a deal! The beautiful Sandias serve as a backdrop for vegetation that can't figure out if it's in a desert or not. There's a bit of everything. Birding is popular and one will find evidence of other diverse wildlife. There are sturdy shelters and grills for picnicking and some can be reserved. Throughout the year, there are guided walks, nature talks, music sometimes, and always, peace and quiet. April weekends bring organized clean-up, trail building and taking down, and cactus planting efforts by the community. There are many hiking trails from easy to strenuous. Maps are available and one can easily walk/hike for hours . The Pino Trail is difficult, but will get you up to the "top" for nice views and a chance to continue on forever. Mountain bikers also love this place and there are marked trails of all difficulties. Parking is ample and there are clean (usually) bathroom facilities. If you're looking for a really scenic spot to take visitors, a place to let the kids explore, or just a place to sit and contemplate, this is it.

We had a group of 50 with kids of all ages and we had a wonderful time. Hiking, walking and all the beauty of New Mexico. We use the area again next year.

Nice place to come to play in the desert trails. Great mountain bike/hiking trails, nice views of the mountains and city. Sunset is particularly spectacular. Picnic grounds are basic but nice (ie covered and have nice tables)