La Luz Trailhead and La Luz Trail 137

Area Status: Open

The La Luz trail is 7.5 miles long. It begins at La Luz Trailhead and ends at the Crest Trail 130 near the Sandia Peak Tram Upper Terminal. The La Luz Trail 137 connects with several other trails along the way. Tramway Trail 82; Piedra Lisa-La Luz Link Trail 137C; La Luz 137B; Chimney Canyon Trail 137A and The Crest Spur Trail (leads to the Sandia Crest House)

The La Luz Trail is one of the best known trails in the Sandia Mountains. It is also one of the most challenging. The trail goes from hot desert landscape to cool Canadian forest, for a length of 7.5 miles one way. The elevation gain is 3,200 vertical feet. It is difficult and rewarding.

Do not attempt this hike unless you are well prepared physically, and able to take care of yourself in the event of a mishap in the wilderness. If you complete the hike as described, you are in for five hours (or more) of strenuous hiking.You are also in for spectacular views and true sense of accomplishment for having hiked the trail.

Please stay on the trail. Every year lost hikers are searched for and rescued on the La Luz Trail, with and without injury. Others have not been so fortunate and have lost their lives.
The trail is well worn. Pay attention and follow the path.

Remember: You can also hike part of the trail. There is no rule that says you have to walk the whole trail. Use common sense when hiking. If you feel or think it is time to turn around, do so.

The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking

Please refer to the map links below to plan your course. Cell phone coverage is not guaranteed.

Sandia Crest Trails and Trailheads Map and Sandia Mountain Trail Guide

See "Safety Information" (upper right corner of the page)

Title:	La Luz stairway to the trail
Caption:	La Luz stairway to the trail
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Location:	La Luz Trailhead
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Title:	La Luz Trail - the beginning
Caption:	La Luz Trail - the beginning
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Location:	La Luz Trailhead
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Title:	La Luz Trail Scenic View
Caption:	La Luz Trail Scenic View
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Location:	La Luz Trailhead
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Title:	La Luz Trail Scenic View 2
Caption:	La Luz Trail Scenic View 2
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Location:	La Luz Trail
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Title:	La Luz Trail - For your convenience
Caption:	a Luz Trail - For your convenience
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Location:	a Luz Trail
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At a Glance

Fees:	Requires a fee or a day use pass, such as the New Mexico Enchantment Pass. If you do not have a pass, use the Pay Station on site (cash or check). Envelopes for payment are in the box next to the fee tube.
Water:	No
Restroom:	Yes
Passes:	New Mexico Enchantment Pass Interagency Passes Need help deciding which pass is right for you?
Operated By:	US Forest Service

General Information

Directions:

To get La Luz Trailhead & ultimately La Luz Trail, take Tramway Blvd and drive to Forest Road 333, (there is a sign for Juan Tabo Picnic area and La Luz Trail at the turn). Turn east toward the mountain and follow Forest Road 333 until you see two rock pillars to your right. Go through the pillars and continue on the paved road which leads to the La Luz Trailhead parking lot.

General Notes:

(MVUM) Official Motor Vehicle Use Map - North

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Living With Large Predators in New Mexico

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