Albuquerque, NM: Albuquerque Chapter, Mountain Training Hike

Overview: This is a moderately difficult loop trail in the Manzanitas trail system, combining elements of the Tunnel canyon-Birdhouse Ridge loop and the Otero Canyon-Blue Ribbon loop. It will be a good opportunity to test knees, endurance, and equipment. The hike total 11.4 miles and have a combined elevation change (uphill and downhill) of approximately 3200 feet with an average grade of 5%. It will take 6 hours depending on the number and length of breaks. There are no toilet facilities on this hike.
Detailed description: The hike will begin at the Tunnel Canyon trail head and will proceed as follows:

1. Birdhouse Ridge trail (05411): 2.4 miles mostly uphill at 5% to 11% grade from 6590 feet to 7233 feet elevation.
2. West ridge trail (05268): 1.5 miles uphill to 7351 feet then 0.7 miles downhill at 5-9% grade into Otero Canyon at 7106 feet elevation.
3. Gnasty (w/a G) trail (05057): 1.5 miles mostly uphill at 5-13% grade to 7334 feet elevation.
4. Blue Ribbon trail (05236): 0.7 miles mostly level followed by 1.7 miles downhill at 5-12% grade to 6813 feet elevation.
5. Tunnel Canyon trail (05145): 1 mile uphill at 3-9% grade to 7063 feet elevation, followed by 1.1 miles downhill at 3-9% grade to the trail head at 6590 feet elevation.

Here’s the trail description though we will be walking in the opposite direction from that described in this site page.

What to bring: 2 liters of water per person; snacks and a light lunch; sun protection (hat. Sunscreen, etc.), walking poles if desired. The trail is mostly rocky, so select shoes accordingly.