When people think about New Mexico, they don’t usually think about forests. Usually, they think about plains and desert, right? What if we told you that there’s more than a few forest hikes in New Mexico, and one of them in particular has really caught our attention for its extraordinary beauty. Experienced hikers rejoice! The La Luz Trail in New Mexico is a trail for those of us who live life a little more on-the-edge than others. It’s tough, and it’s long, but the reward at the end – an overlook that only the most determined ever reach – is worth every drop of sweat.

Trail #137, otherwise known as La Luz Trail, is an incredible hike into some of the most amazing terrain in New Mexico.
Jim Moore/AllTrails
Through the hike, explorers are treated to four separate climatic zones, from desert up to aspen and woods. It sits on the western face of the Sandia Mountains, and is closer to Albuquerque than you might think.
The trail begins at La Luz trailhead, which can be accessed by taking Tramway Road (NM 556) to the Forest Road 333 turnoff.
Miriam Munoz/AllTrails
From the Trailhead, the path proceeds through about eight miles of rugged earth before you reach a checkpoint: the Sandia Peak Tramway. From there, you can decide to continue on, or you can ride the tram line back down the mountain and call it a day at the end of part 1 of the trail.
Should you choose to continue, you won't regret it!
Kelsey Mueller/AllTrails
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled; as the climatic zone you're passing through changes, you'll notice distinct differences in plant and animal life up and down the slopes.
At the beginning, you'll see prickly pear and cholla cacti; by the end, you'll be chilly and surrounded by lush pine and aspen.
Qian-Yun Zhang/AllTrails
You'll see the granite cliffs and spires of the Sandia Mountains, as well as Mount Taylor, Albuquerque cinder cone volcanoes, and Albuquerque itself from your spot way up on the La Luz Trail.

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It is a strenuous hike; you will face an elevation gain of 3,775 feet on your journey, should you brave the entire thing.
Shea Flynn/AllTrails
At 8,900 feet and about 4.35 miles into the second part of your hike, you'll reach it - the overlook. The view is incredible. Stay a while and breathe; you've earned it.
You'll want to pack a camera to bring with you; the views are breathtaking and highly unique for New Mexico.
Olivia Summer/AllTrails
It's not too often you can traverse across 4 climate types in the Land of Enchantment, so if you're able to rough it, we strongly recommend La Luz Trail.
Once you reach the overlook, the trail forks: if you go north (aka left), you'll be led up to Crest Spur Trail, which is a brief-and-tough trek to a final elevation of 10,678 feet above sea level.
Christian Urbina/AllTrails
Should you go south (right), you'll end up at the Tramway once more, at an elevation of 10,378 feet.
It's worth noting that during winter, the second part of the trail after you reach the Tramway the first time is often impassable, though you can try if you so desire.
Dustyn Merckling/AllTrails
This trail is definitely at its peak majesty during the warmer months; other than the plant life, it's pretty interesting to cross through different temperatures as you gain elevation.

Craving something a little easier to hike this weekend? Check out this article full of our picks for easy New Mexico hikes with great views of their own. To check the status of the La Luz Trail including trail conditions and more in-depth details, visit the Forest Service’s website.

Have you ever conquered the La Luz Trail in New Mexico? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Address: Forest Service 333 Road, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87122

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Forest Service 333 Rd, Albuquerque, NM 87122, USA