(Hard) Bosque Peak Summit via Fourth of July TH

*Re-doing hike due to previous cancellation*
Join us for a scenic hike to Bosque Peak (9,610 ft), a hidden gem of the Manzano Mountains. This trail offers a mix of forested canyons, ridge walking, and panoramic views over the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding ranges. While not as well-known as some Sandia or Manzano hikes, Bosque Peak is a rewarding summit with quiet trails and a sense of remoteness close to Albuquerque. This will be my first time hiking this trail, so it will be as much exploratory for me as for you.

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🔹 Trail Overview:
We’ll be hiking Bosque Peak via the Fourth of July Trailhead, which is around a moderately strenuous out-and-back of about ~10 miles round trip with ~2,200 feet of elevation gain. The route begins for this hike at July Fourth Campground Trailhead that winds up through conifer forests and up towards the ridgeline for about 2 miles. The next 3 miles or so will be slow and consistent ridge walking up towards the flat area of Bosque Peak where there might be some bushwhacking to the summit area.

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🕒 Pace & Expectations:
We’ll start at 8:30 AM aiming to finish by 2:00 PM. Expect a steady but moderate pace (~2 mph uphill, ~2.5 mph downhill), with breaks for food, water, and photos at scenic points along the ridge.

With the coming change in seasons, forest around the area will be changing colors which makes for a great hiking photos. Make sure to bring a jacket, snacks and water.

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🔗 Resources & References:

• AllTrails – Combined Bosque Trail + Fourth of July Trail
• SummitPost – Bosque Peak
• Peakbagger – Bosque Peak

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Carpool option: Meet at Sandia Ranger District parking lot on NM-377 Rd at 7:30 AM. (NOTE: Will verify if parking is allowed at the ranger station)