Albuquerque, NM: Albuquerque Chapter, Rancho Viejo Loop hike

DIRECTIONS: From the south on I-25, take the exit for Hwy. 599 then turn right to the intersection of Hwy. 14. Turn left (north) to the traffic light intersection for Rancho Viejo Blvd. where you turn right. Continue uphill all the way to the intersection of Avenida del Sur. The sign says Village. Go straight to the parking lots. Do NOT park at the Glitz School of Cosmetology.
From Santa Fe use Richards Road south to the roundabout beyond Santa Fe Community College and right on Avenida del Sur to the left turn into the Village. Do NOT park at the Glitz School of Cosmetology.

DESCRIPTION: The loop around Rancho Viejo is approximately 2.5 miles. Allow 1.5 hours or maybe 2 hours for the walk.
The walk has 4 stages. Stage 1 is a long easy rise heading east. The Santa Fe mountains are on the horizon and Santa Fe Community College campus is nearby. Stage 2 we descend to a long low and flat section heading south and west with views of the IAIA (Institute for American Indian Arts) campus to the south. Stage 3 undulates, with short ups and downs with views of the Sandias, the Ortiz Mountains, the small extinct volcanos at the top of La Bajada, and the Jemez mountains. Stage 4 uses 2 blocks of streets before going back to the trail and into the parking lot. There are benches at random spots along the way.

The meetup is in the parking lot NEXT to the Glitz School of Cosmetology. Do NOT park at the Glitz School of Cosmetology.

Note: There are NO bathroom facilities at the start point. From the south, there is an Allsup’s at the intersection of 599 and 14. It is right across the intersection at the traffic light. The closest facilities are at a restaurant northbound on Richards called Pantry Dos. So, out of the parking lot to Avenida del Sur to Richards. The restaurant is on the right via a roundabout. And that would be a good place for snacks or lunch after or bring your own food.

Note: There is very little shade on the walk along this paved asphalt path. Dress appropriately for the weather and please bring your hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.