Bonnie Dismore

  • Here’s the video:
  • The open space is a popular hiking, biking, dog walking and is an equestrian trailhead site
  • It has seven covered picnic areas that are great for get-togethers or even birthdays
  • Some have gotten married here or used this space for their engagement photos

 

 

A new adventure awaits every week. This week, I decided to check out the Elena Gallegos Open Space Area. This open space area is wonderful this time of year because of the nice weather and beautiful scenic view of the Sandia Mountains. You can even see Mount Taylor to the west, the Jemez Mountains to the north, and the Tijeras Arroyo to the south.

The Elena Gallegos Open Space Area is on 7100 Tramway Blvd., NE, Albuquerque. It’s about a 35-minute drive from Rio Rancho. When heading down Tramway Boulevard, you might even see some buffalo on the side of the road in some of the gated areas.

Upon arrival, there will be a self-service stop. The Elena Gallegos Open Space does have an entry fee per vehicle. It is one dollar on weekdays and two dollars on weekends. So, just have that handy if you’d like to visit.

As a result of the beautiful landscape, the open space is a popular hiking, biking, dog walking and equestrian trailhead site.

It also has seven covered picnic areas that are great for get-togethers or even birthday celebrations. Some have gotten married here or used this space for their engagement photos.

They also have two reservation areas at the Kiwanis Reservation Area and the Double Shelter Reservation Area. These areas all have a wonderful view overlooking the mountains and desert terrain.

Along the many pathways, you will see the beautiful cane cholla cactus and their bright yellow fruit leading you along the trail. As you take your walk, there are some memorial sites paying tribute to some of the wonderful people who have led a beautiful life here in New Mexico.

The trails you can follow are The Pino Trail 140, Domigo Baca Trail 230, The Foothills Trail 365, or any of the open space trails.

Be on the lookout, though, because they are trying to preserve and revive the vegetation in some of the areas along the trail.

As always, leave no trace behind and help us all to protect the site.

Links:
https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/lands/elena-gallegos-open-space
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cibola/recarea/?recid=64360