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A beautiful trail into the Sandia Mountain Wilderness offering spectacular views of canyons and rock formations.


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Map Key

5.8

Miles

9.4

KM

Point to Point

8,148' 2,483 m

High

6,026' 1,837 m

Low

1,334' 407 m

Up

2,262' 689 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

The area east of Piedra Lisa Trail is closed to protect wildlife from March 1 to August 15.

Need to Know

No parking fees or restrooms at the trailhead's lot.

Description

Piedra Lisa Trail #135 is a versatile trail that provides several route options, extending from its southern trailhead north of the well-known La Luz Trail in Albuquerque to its northern trailhead near the highway in Placitas. Because of the length of the trail and the distance between the trailheads, Piedra Lisa Trail #135 is often separated into two hikes, Piedra Lisa South (2 miles) and Piedra Lisa North (3.8 miles). Piedra Lisa is intersected by several other trails: Movie Trail, Fletcher Trail, Rincon Spur Trail, and Del Agua Trail.

Piedra Lisa's southern trail is a well-traveled trail and is very popular amongst hikers and trail runners. The trail begins at the southern trailhead and soon leads into Juan Tabo Canyon. After three-quarters of a mile is the junction of upper Juan Tabo Canyon and Waterfall Canyon and nearby the intersection of two trails. Movie Trail heads along the ridge between upper Juan Tabo Canyon and Waterfall Canyon. Fletcher Trail travels northeast further into upper Juan Tabo Canyon. Both trails are part of the area that is closed from March 1 to August 15 to protect wildlife. Piedra Lisa trail steepens after this point as it ascends north up Juan Tabo ridge, allowing hikers to observe spectacular views into the canyons and of the imposing rock formations comprising Sandia Mountain's western face.

Most people continue their ascent to approximately the second mile mark and the intersection with the Rincon Spur Trail. From here, most will either head back or continue up the rugged Rincon Spur Trail for the amazing views and then head back down. However, if you are seeking more of a challenge, follow the sign indicating the continuation of Piedra Lisa to the north.

The less-traveled northern portion of Piedra Lisa descends into the southern branch of Del Agua Canyon. The trail offers easier travel through shady tree cover for about a mile before transitioning into a sandy canyon. The trail can become indistinct in some places so be mindful when traveling through this portion. Continuing north another mile, the trail soon passes the junction with Del Agua Trail #248, a route which continues up the north branch of Del Agua Canyon. After this intersection, Piedra Lisa's trail steepens and loose rocks abound in some areas during the last portion before it terminates at the northern trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

You'll hike through trees such as ponderosa pine, piñon, juniper trees. You may encounter squirrels and various birds such as jays and doves.

Contacts

Shared By:

Anthony Hjalmarson

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 5 votes

#11436

Overall
  4.0 from 5 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#170

in New Mexico

#11,436

Overall
97 Views Last Month
5,150 Since May 26, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

View from Piedra Lisa South.
Jun 10, 2019 near Sandia…, NM
Below the crest
Mar 1, 2020 near Sandia…, NM

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 13 days ago
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Check-Ins

Apr 30, 2024
Zac Johnson
Oct 17, 2021
Erfan Hakimian
May 30, 2020
Erfan Hakimian
7h 30m
Feb 29, 2020
Private User
Nov 10, 2019
Todd Burt
Good hike. Made it to the peak and back. About 5 miles
Jul 6, 2019
Pete Taylor
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