Making Strides

Another night hike is on the schedule, and we’re heading out to the Manzano Northern Loop.
This is a 1.2-mile loop with about 137 feet of elevation gain. It’s generally considered an easy route and usually takes around 30 minutes to complete, but we’ll take our time and enjoy it as a group. The trail is great for hiking, running, and walking, and it’s typically pretty quiet, especially in the evening.
We’ll be hiking in the dark, so headlamps or flashlights are required. There is very little light out there once the sun goes down.
Important reminders:
Headlamp or flashlight is a must
Dress in layers since it will cool off in the evening
Bring water and snacks
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash
Hiking boots recommended
Watch your footing since visibility will be limited
This is a nice, short loop with just enough elevation to keep things interesting, and it’s a great option for a relaxed night hike.
See you on the trails.

Due to the forecast for snow and cold on the original date, I am moving this to the following weekend. Please change your RSVP if you will not be able to make the new time.

This will be a 4.5 mile hike with only about 450 feet of elevation change starting in the Elena Gallegos Open Space. We should get nice views of the city. There is a $2 charge to get in on weekends. Currently the weather looks chilly with some chance of early morning snow, so I eill monitor as we get closer. Dogs are welcome on leash. The AllTrails directions get you to the parking area. As you come past the pay station, turn left and take the road to the north to the parking lot at the end.

Pino Outer Loop on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-mexico/pino-outer-loop?sh=qcnrni

This might be one of our most ambitious night hikes yet.
We’ll be heading out to the Michael M. Emery and Trail 305 Loop, a trail I’ve been wanting to do for a while. The parking lot is usually packed, but I checked it out around 7:00 this evening and it was completely empty. The gate stays open until 9:00 pm, so we should have plenty of time to get this done comfortably.
This loop is about 3.3 miles with roughly 344 feet of elevation gain. It’s an evening hike, so expect cooler temperatures as the sun goes down. Please bring plenty of water, snacks, and a headlamp or flashlight. Hiking boots are strongly recommended, and dressing in layers will be important.
This trail also happens to be the very first hike I ever did when I moved to Albuquerque. It’s the one I’ve always come back to whenever I needed to clear my head, so I’m really glad I get to share it with others this time.
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
See you on the trails.