The best running trails around La Cienega

Our guide features 5 distinct running routes in the La Cienega area, catering to various fitness levels and preferences. These routes offer a great way to explore the diverse landscapes of the region.

Yes, for those looking for an easier run, consider the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail – Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from House of Eternal Return - Meow Wolf. This route is rated as easy and provides a pleasant experience for new runners or those seeking a less strenuous outing.

The terrain varies significantly across the La Cienega region. In areas like La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills, you'll find well-maintained, dedicated perimeter jogging tracks. In contrast, the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area in Arizona offers more rugged trails through rolling grasslands and riparian zones. New Mexico's Cienega Canyon features trails ranging from accessible interpretive paths along streams to steeper, rockier sections in the Sandia Mountains Wilderness, often through fir and ponderosa forests.

Yes, if you're jogging in La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills, dogs are welcome in designated areas. For more expansive, natural settings, the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area in Arizona generally allows dogs on trails, but it's always best to check local regulations for specific areas within the NCA to ensure a pleasant experience for you and your pet.

Absolutely. La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills is very family-friendly, with playgrounds and picnic areas alongside its jogging track. In New Mexico, the Cienega Picnic Site offers an accessible interpretive trail that's perfect for families, winding along a stream and through a wet meadow. These spots provide a relaxed environment for a family jog or walk.

For longer runs, the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from Villas di Toscana is a challenging option, covering nearly 20 kilometers. In New Mexico, some trails in Cienega Canyon, like the one through a fir forest, can extend to nearly 10 miles round-trip, offering a good distance for endurance training.

Yes, many of the routes in our guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from Agua Fria and the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail – Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from Villas di Toscana are both excellent loop options for runners.

The La Cienega region is rich in natural beauty. In Arizona's Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, you might spot pronghorn antelope, deer, javelina, and numerous bird species amidst rolling grasslands and lush riparian zones along Cienega Creek. New Mexico's Cienega Canyon trails can lead you through fir and ponderosa forests, with abundant wildflowers and, during wetter periods, a beautiful travertine waterfall.

If you're looking for a challenge, the Arroyo de los Chamisos Trail loop from Villas di Toscana is rated as difficult, offering a substantial distance and elevation gain. Additionally, the Cienega Trail #148 in the Sandia Mountains Wilderness Area in New Mexico is known for its steep sections and loose rocks, providing a more demanding experience.

Parking availability varies by location. For urban runs, La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills offers convenient parking facilities. In more remote areas like the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area in Arizona or Cienega Canyon in New Mexico, designated parking areas are typically available at trailheads or picnic sites, such as the Doc Long and Cienega Canyon picnic areas.

Public transport options are more readily available for urban locations like La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills. For the more expansive and remote natural areas such as the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area in Arizona or Cienega Canyon in New Mexico, public transport access is generally limited, and driving is often the most practical way to reach the trailheads.