5.0
(5)
270
riders
25
rides
Touring cycling around Carnuel, New Mexico, offers diverse landscapes on the western slope of the Sandia Mountains. The region features a mix of canyons, varied rock formations, and desert-like vegetation. Routes often include significant elevation changes, providing challenging terrain for cyclists. The dry, sunny climate generally supports outdoor activities throughout much of the year.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
53
riders
17.2km
01:45
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
23
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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20
riders
12.4km
01:16
290m
290m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
25
riders
32.2km
02:00
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
12
riders
52.5km
03:22
520m
520m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Originally built as a ranger's shelter in the early 20th century, nowadays, this cabin works as a refuge for travelers. It's a nice overlook spot and also good for pictures.
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Lynnwood Park in Albuquerque, NM, is a small neighborhood park with open green spaces, picnic tables, and a playground, making it a family-friendly destination. There is a paved walking path through the park, with nice views of the nearby Sandia Mountains.
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Sandia Foothills Open Space spans 2560 acres at the base of the Sandia Mountains. It is a desert wonderland with plenty of opportunities for hikers, runners and mountain bikers to enjoy the outdoors without heading too far from the city. There are multiple trails and steeply sloped hills to explore dotted with wildflowers, prickly pear cacti, and cane cholla amidst the juniper and piñon trees.
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This trail spans 12.7 miles from Sandia Peak Tramway to Camino de la Sierra, offering views of the city and the unique U-Mound, a mound of boulders popular for rock climbing.
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This bridge runs across busy Tramway Boulevard, giving you ready access to the nearby Tramway Trail. That bike path, in turn, offers great views of the lower Sandia Mountains.
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Trail 366 is one of the smoother singletrack trails within the trail network. The path connects to a bunch of other paths and is a popular commuter trail.
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The John B. Robert Dam is a retention wall put in place to mitigate the potential damages of future floodwaters. The wall is featured in the show "Breaking Bad" and is a cool sight within the Bear Canyon Open Space.
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The Sandia Foothills Open Space is a popular place with hiking that is handily very close to Albuquerque. There are a number of looped hikes of varying difficulty with plenty of wildlife and nature to see.
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There are over 25 touring cycling routes around Carnuel, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes extensively, contributing to their high average rating.
Carnuel's touring cycling routes are characterized by diverse landscapes on the western slope of the Sandia Mountains. You'll encounter a mix of canyons, varied rock formations, and desert-like vegetation. Many routes feature significant elevation changes, providing challenging terrain, while others offer more moderate paths.
Yes, Carnuel offers several easier touring cycling routes. While many routes involve elevation changes, there are options with less demanding terrain. For example, some sections of the Sandia Foothills Open Space trails can be adapted for a more relaxed ride, though specific easy routes are not detailed in the provided data.
Many touring cycling routes in Carnuel have designated starting points with parking. For instance, the route Sandia Foothills Open Space – Sandia Foothills Trail 365 loop from Piedra Lisa Canyon Trailhead Parking explicitly mentions parking availability at the Piedra Lisa Canyon Trailhead. Other routes, like those starting from Redbox, also indicate accessible trailheads.
The dry and sunny climate of Carnuel makes it suitable for outdoor activities, including touring cycling, for much of the year. Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant temperatures, avoiding the peak heat of summer and potential colder conditions in winter. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Carnuel's touring cycling routes often provide scenic views of the Sandia Mountains and surrounding landscapes. You can also encounter interesting points of interest such as the Bridge over Tramway Blvd. NE, which is part of the route Juan Tabo Cabin Ruins – Bridge over Tramway Blvd. NE loop from Redbox. Other notable attractions in the area include Albert G. Simms Park in Cibola National Forest and Travertine Falls.
Yes, Carnuel offers longer and more challenging touring cycling routes. For experienced riders seeking a significant distance and elevation gain, consider the Bridge over Tramway Blvd. NE – John B. Robert Dam loop from Redbox, which spans over 52 kilometers and features substantial climbing, or the Bear Canyon Trailhead loop from Redbox, a difficult 32-kilometer route with over 600 meters of elevation gain.
Many of the touring cycling routes in Carnuel are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Sandia Foothills Open Space – Sandia Foothills Trail 365 loop from Piedra Lisa Canyon Trailhead Parking and the Juan Tabo Cabin Ruins – Bridge over Tramway Blvd. NE loop from Redbox.
The provided information does not indicate that specific permits are required for touring cycling on the listed trails in Carnuel. However, it's always advisable to check with local land management authorities, especially if venturing into designated wilderness areas or specific parks, to ensure compliance with any regulations.
The touring cycling routes in Carnuel are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the scenic views of the Sandia Mountains, and the variety of options available for different ability levels, from moderate paths to more difficult climbs.
While many routes in Carnuel involve significant elevation, there are moderate options that could be suitable for families with some cycling experience. Routes exploring the Sandia Foothills, such as the Sandia Foothills Open Space – Sandia Foothills Trail 365 loop from Redbox, offer varied terrain and views, and can be adjusted for shorter distances if needed. Always consider the fitness level of all family members before choosing a route.
Yes, some touring cycling routes in Carnuel incorporate historical elements. For instance, the Juan Tabo Cabin Ruins – Bridge over Tramway Blvd. NE loop from Redbox leads past historical points of interest, offering a blend of natural beauty and local history.


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