What to know about exploring the Eyes of the Sandia Loop Trail

IMG_3468.jpeg

Eye of the Sandias visited

Rachel Driskell
Rachel Driskell Special to the Journal
Published Modified

Nestled within the Sandia Mountains, the Eyes of the Sandia Loop Trail offers an unforgettable journey to explore vistas and remarkable geological formations.

This trail beckons hikers and nature enthusiasts to witness the awe-inspiring "eyes," offering a glimpse into the ancient history and natural wonders of the region.

How to get there

There are two trailheads to get directly to the trail. One is at the east end of Copper Avenue Northeast (there is a placemark for it on Google Earth). This trailhead is more popular because it provides ready access to many of the hiking/biking trails at the southern end of Albuquerque’s Open Spaces.

To get closer to the trailhead, try the trail at the northern end of Camino De La Sierra Northeast. To get there, go to the eastern end of Copper Avenue, turn right onto Parkside Drive Northeast. Parkside T’s into Camino Del La Sierra. Park in the vicinity, then head to the end of the Camino for the trailhead.

This 3.8 mile loop leads to the much-anticipated highlight of the journey – the Eyes of the Sandia Loop. These awe-inspiring rock formations, resembling two giant "eyes" gazing across the landscape, are a result of millions of years of geological processes. Carved by erosion, these natural sculptures stand as silent witnesses to the forces of nature that have shaped the Sandia Mountains over time.

2023-09-08 16_09_04-Start.png

Numbers to know

• Total Distance: 3.34 miles

• Elevation: start 5,964 ft, maximum 7,234 ft, minimum 5,962 ft

• Gross gain: 1,272 ft. Aggregate ascending 1,422 ft, descending 1,424 ft

• Maximum slope: 35% ascending, 33% descending, 15% average

• Duration: 2:26

While the "eyes" themselves are captivating, the vistas they overlook are equally enchanting. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and beyond. Don’t forget your camera! Wear layers as the weather can drastically change due to elevation.

Photos of more trails we've recently featured

10+ views of Piedra Lisa trail in the Sandia Mountains to preview before you go

ora-plisa.jpg
South Piedra Lisa trail is dog friendly, but bring plenty of water.
saddle-plisa.jpg
Views of the Sandias from the Piedra Lisa Trail
Views of the Sandias from the Piedra Lisa Trail.
PIEDRA LISA TRAIL
The Piedra Lisa Trail winds through the Sandia Mountain Wilderness and then enters the Cibola National Forest as it gains elevation.
view of the Sanida's from Piedra Lisa trail
Pictured is the view of the Sandia mountains from the Piedra Lisa trail which can be accessed from forest road 333 off Tramway Blvd. Albuquerque, New Mexico
mma fights
Hikers using the new Piedra Lisa trail in the Sandia Mountains in 2016.
20120308008.jpg
The New Mexico volunteers for the Outdoors is a statewide organization that organizes work projects throughout the state. Their work frequently involves trail maintenance but can run the gamut from planting to building fish habitat. Here two volunteers work on the South Piedra Lisa trail.
cactus-plisa.jpg
flowers-plisa.jpg
Cactus along the Piedra Lisa trail.
northside-plisa.jpg
Piedra Lisa northside from Placitas
northside-road-plisa.jpg
Piedra Lisa northside from Placitas. The South Piedra Lisa trail continues over the saddle all the way to Placitas.
trailhead-northside-plisa.jpg
You can also hike the Piedra Lisa trail from Placitas. A rough forest service road that requires high-clearance and/or four-wheel drive -- Forest Loop 445 -- leads to the trailhead parking.

10+ pictures from Tramway bike trail in winter, summer, fall, spring

bike riders on Tramway
Pictured are bikers on the Tramway trail near the intersection of Montgomery and Tramway on Thursday afternoon.
mkb100711a
Lance Chilton, left, and Marshall Kovitz, right, ride down Indian School, just west of Tramway as they begin to make observations about a trail that follows Embudo Arroyo west, Oct. 7, 2011.
mkb050609c
Bob and Linda Kane of Albuquerque, walk on the trail along Tramway Wednesday evening, May 6, 2009, in Albuquerque, N.M.
20130912011.jpg
Castillo and his son Joshua Castillo, 7, run and bike on the Tramway trail on Wedenesday, September 11, 2013.
mp101209d/METRO/MorganPetroski/101209
Melissa Griffin jogs on the bike and pedestrian trail along Tramway, Monday, Oct. 12, 2009. Griffin said she jogs everyday, "especially now while it's nice outside."
mkb050609d
Hanna Chang and Trevor Owen walk on the trail along Tramway Wednesday evening, May 6, 2009, in Albuquerque, N.M. Chang and Owen were walking and running along the trail.
great weather in Albuquerque
Kris O'Brien took advantage of the great weather late in the afternoon by walking her dogs Sawyer (middle) a Great Dane along with her two Corgies Daisy and Lea along a trail in the foothills near Academy and Tramway. Albuquerque, New Mexico
APLPOLSIGN2
A cyclist rides past a political sign for DA Kari Brandenburg along the Tramway Trail near Academy NE on Wednesday September 10, 2008.
20100727004.jpg
Tramway Blvd. NE, photographed Monday July 26, 2010.
BIKING HOME ON TRAMWAY
Pedro Vasquez , of Albuquerque, bikes home from his work on Paseo Del Norte, southbound on the Tramway Bike Trail between Candelaria and Menaul Blvd. photographed Monday. March 10, 2003.

Check out these photos over the years at Paseo del Bosque Trail

10162017066.jpg
10212019010.jpg
10212019011.jpg
20061009004.jpg
20061009006.jpg
20070529036.jpg
20070709019.jpg
20111201012.jpg
sandia loop trail sandia mountain wilderness la luz trail cibola national forest sandia mountains things-to-do camino del la sierra sandia
Powered by Labrador CMS