5 kid-friendly hikes you can take around Albuquerque

Want to take your kids out for a hike in Albuquerque, but don't want one that's too hard?

Here are five hiking trails that are kid-friendly and each trail is less than three miles in length and won't take longer than an hour and a half to complete.

This list was made with help from AllTrails, a website to help share the outdoors.

Check out the list below:

The Volcanoes Trail

This trail is located at Petroglyph National Monument and is rated 4.5 stars on AllTrails. The three-mile loop is considered easy and takes about an hour and 11 minutes to complete. It is a popular spot for families and is open year-round. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.

During your hike, you’ll enjoy vistas of Albuquerque and the Sandia Mountains. You’ll also have the chance to hike around the volcanoes. With different trails and junctions in the area, you can visit all three volcanoes. If your kids get tired, shaded areas with benches are available for resting.

Piedras Marcadas Canyon

Another hiking trail within Petroglyph National Monument, this one is slightly shorter than the Volcanoes Trail, measuring 1.9 miles. Rated 4.5 stars by users, it takes about 42 minutes to complete. This is another popular area for hiking, so expect to encounter other hikers along the way.

The landscapes on this hike are rich with history, featuring lava rocks and petroglyphs—images carved into rock surfaces by hand using tools like a hammerstone and chisel. You’ll also enjoy views of the mountains and desert foliage. However, keep an eye on your map, as the area includes numerous intersecting trails. The desert terrain can be rocky and dusty, so ensure your kids are up for the challenge before setting out.

Pino Trail Loop

The Pino Trail Loop, rated 4.7 stars, is located in the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area and Albert G. Simms Park. The loop is 2.4 miles long and takes about an hour to complete. It is a popular year-round destination for families to enjoy.

The trail begins with a steep climb, which is the most challenging part of the hike. Along the way, you’ll pass pine and juniper trees, prickly pears and cholla cacti. The trail also takes you through a forested area that opens up to stunning views of the mountains and the city below.

Rinconada Canyon Trail

This highly rated trail, located at Petroglyph National Monument, is 2.1 miles long and takes about 43 minutes to complete. It is a popular choice among Albuquerque residents, so you’re likely to encounter other hikers along the way.

At the start of the loop, you’ll see petroglyphs created by Native Americans, Spanish settlers and American ranchers. During the first half of the trail, you’ll hike alongside the canyon and mesa. As you reach the loop, the trail takes you through the middle of the canyon on the way back. With minimal elevation change, this trail is ideal for those seeking a less strenuous hike.

Rio Grande Bosque and Tingley Beach Loop

This quick and easy hiking loop is perfect for families with young children. The trail is 1.6 miles long and takes about 30 minutes to complete. The best time to visit is between January and November. It is a popular trail, and dogs are welcome, with some areas allowing off-leash exploration.

The trail starts at the parking lot off Tingley Drive SW and leads through a shaded forest before looping back to the starting point. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Rio Grande and several small ponds. Because the trail is near water, it’s a good idea to bring bug spray to ward off mosquitoes.