Albuquerque, NM: Albuquerque Chapter, Rio Rancho All Souls Day Bosque Walk

Rio Rancho Bosque Preserve Walk
Date: Wednesday, November 1, 10:00 am. All Souls Day
Host: Rita Betty

Directions: From Highway 528/Pat D’Arco Highway (north or south), turn east at the intersection of Highway 528 and Iris/Riverside Drive. Continue east on Riverside Drive past the fire station and Rio Vista Park. Immediately past Rio Vista Park, take the dirt road to the right and continue down the hill to the Rio Rancho Bosque Preserve parking lot.

We will walk north from the Rio Rancho Bosque Preserve along a ridge that runs adjacent to the Rio Grande. The trail eventually descends and merges onto the Willow Creek Open Space trail. We will continue around the larger Willow Creek Open Space loop, then make the return trip heading south up to the starting point at the Rio Rancho Bosque Preserve. There are two optional shorter loops for those that wish or are limited on time. Along the way, you will see beautiful views of the Rio Grande and bosque below, some wildlife, and the Sandias.

The total bosque trail loop is 5 miles, mostly flat, with a net elevation gain of 122 ft. The trail is a mixture of gravel, loose dirt and very loose sand, with three short but steep sandy hills to traverse. Poles are optional and may be helpful for the short uphill climbs. The estimated time of completion is 2-2.5 hours.

Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. There are no facilities at the meeting point or along the trail