Sandia Foothills Trail 365 – Sandia Foothills Open Space loop from Piedra Lisa Canyon Trailhead Parking
Sandia Foothills Trail 365 – Sandia Foothills Open Space loop from Piedra Lisa Canyon Trailhead Parking
4.7
(2071)
9,465
riders
Sandia Foothills Trail 365 – Sandia Foothills Open Space loop from Piedra Lisa Canyon Trailhead Parking
01:20
12.9km
260m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 7, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Cibola National Forest
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
6.07 km
Sandia Foothills Trail 365
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
7.99 km
Sandia Foothills Open Space
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
9.94 km
Sandia Foothills Open Space
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
12.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
12.2 km
357 m
327 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
12.2 km
679 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,950 m)
Lowest point (1,820 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 12 June
31°C
19°C
29 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're eyeing the Sandia Foothills Trail 365 – Sandia Foothills Open Space loop from Piedra Lisa Canyon Trailhead Parking for touring cycling, let's be honest: this 8.0-mile (12.9 km) route, with its 857 feet (261 metres) of elevation gain and moderate difficulty, is likely not what you're expecting. While Komoot classifies it for touring bicycles, the terrain is far more suited for mountain biking or hiking, making it a challenging, if not impossible, ride for traditional touring setups in 1 hour and 20 minutes.
What to expect on Sandia Foothills Trail 365 – Sandia Foothills Open Space loop from Piedra Lisa Canyon Trailhead Parking
This route takes you through the stunning Sandia Foothills Open Space, offering panoramic views of Albuquerque to the west and the dramatic Sandia Mountains to the east. You'll encounter a unique desert environment with boulder fields, juniper, and piñon trees. However, the trail itself is primarily dirt, with significant rocky sections and even "slick rock" made of Sandia Granite, especially on the Piedra Lisa Canyon Trail access. This rugged terrain, including singletrack, demands good fitness and technical skill, making it a tough ask for touring cyclists.
Planning your visit
The Piedra Lisa Canyon Trailhead Parking provides access to this area, which is known for year-round accessibility. However, be prepared for the challenging conditions, particularly the "Black Diamond difficulty" sections of the Piedra Lisa Canyon Trail. Given the technical nature and physical demands, ensure you carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. This trail is best enjoyed by experienced mountain bikers or hikers, rather than those on touring bicycles.
Trail details
- Distance: 8.0 miles (12.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 857 feet (261 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 20 minutes
Comments
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