La Luz Trailhead — Attraction in Federal Aviation Administration

This actual distance of the trail is unknown. Every source of information, including the signage on the trail, is different. After the first mile, you'll come to a sign that states the Tram is still 7 away. My math says that's about 16 miles roundtrip, if you go to the Tram and back. At the beginning of the boulder fields, another sign states it's 5 to the trailhead and 2.8 to the Tram.

That being said, La Luz isn't as difficult as its reputation. There are no points along the route that are 'steep,' or technical. It's only as difficult as you want to make it.

Begin hydrating a few days prior to your trip. The better hydrated you are at the start, the more water you can conserve for your desent when it's hot. Start early- I strongly discourage beginning after 7 am during the summer. After that, you deal with the sun more on your way up, and you're exposed to the afternoon heat on your way down. The trail is very open and exposed to the sun for the first 3.5 miles or so. Unless you're in very good shape, do not make this a late morning, or afternoon trek if you plan on going more than a couple miles round trip.

There are no rules that say how far anyone has to go; build up to the summit. Remember that however far you go, you will double that coming down if you don't use the Tram. Lastly, please don't listen to music or media while on the trail. I say that because rattlesnakes are often spotted on the trail. You need to keep your ears open, and your...

If you want parking it's best to go early. Like 6 a.m. early. Make sure to bring some money for parking. The trail is pretty well kept. It's narrow in portions, but never to the point where you aren't sure if there's a trail there or not. The other hikers were pretty nice. My main gripe was that it is very had to find places to set-up a tripod for taking photos. There are places to do it, but you have to hike away in. That gripe isn't much though. I'm totally going to hike this trail again some day. I didn't make it all the way to Sandia Crest, but I think I made it about half way up the trail. The hike starts pretty easy, but it definitely gets more difficult to hike the further in you get. The first mile or so is a nice hike, if you're looking to challenge yourself take the trail up towards Sandia Crest and see how far you can get. One thing to note is that the trail can be a bit crowded (I went on the weekend and there was always another person around the corner). It didn't really take away my enjoyment, but if you're looking for a solo hike this might not be the best place to go. On the...

What can I say, this trail is absolutely breathtaking! you'll get to experience amazing views of Albuquerque and the Sandia Mountains. Trail Length: 8-9 miles Level of difficulty: Strenuous. Take plenty of water and high- energy food, and give yourself plenty of time to descend before darkness. Altitude range: 7,000 to10,378 (At the junction of La Luz and Spur Trail 84, you can choose to go left to the Sandia Crest House, the highest point in the Sandias at 10,678 feet.) Times to go: Late spring, summer and well into fall. The trail is open sunrise to sunset, daily. Be prepared for unexpected weather changes and a full day of hiking if you plan to reach the crest. Take rain gear and warm jackets, and make sure everyone in your party is physically up to the challenge. Hiking part way and turning around is a good plan when first starting out. Always stay...