Embudo Trail

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When looking for route markers, keep in mind that Embudo Trail is also referred to as Trail 193. This designation will appear on the brown fiberglass markers posted beyond the trailhead.

Trails in the Sandia Foothills Open Space are very popular on weekends, especially in the warmer months. Expect to share the trail with runners, hikers, cyclists, and the occasional horse.

Trails in the western sections are generally flat and well-groomed. As they head into the mountains, most become much more rugged and technical.

Embudo Trail is the primary route through the canyon of the same name, located on the southern end of the Sandia Foothills Open Space. Lesser-known than the popular trails to the north, Embudo is a fun, dynamic route through a variety of terrain and plant life.

Embudo's initial segment doubles as a dirt access road to the nearby water tank. The gritty, sandy trail is smooth and well maintained, making for an easy run. As it makes a gradual ascent to the east, look right to see an interesting boulder field across the valley. The path will cross three dirt singletracks on the way up, eventually passing the Embudo Freeride Area at the half mile point, a small terrain park for mountain bikers.

Soon thereafter, Embudo briefly joins the Foothills Trail before heading east again at a large sign. This is the "real" beginning of the trail, as it leaves the flat section and enters Embudo Canyon. The path narrows and becomes more rugged as it proceeds through the tight canyon walls. In some areas, the trail will split; taking the left route is usually the more direct path. Diversions end up in the same place, however, so feel free to explore a little. Rocks and boulders begin to crop up along Embudo, and some sections will require some minor climbing. Moderately challenging but accessible to just about any runner, the terrain makes for a fun, exciting route.

Around the one mile point, the trail comes to a rock wall at a spring and turns left. Use caution when crossing rocks made wet by the runoff here. More scrambling follows over the next quarter mile. Again, when the trail splits, the left route is generally easier, with the right climbing over more boulders. Look for a few rock overhangs making some small caves.

Eventually Embudo flattens out in a wide valley. The singletrack returns to mostly packed dirt as it weaves through trees. Depending on which of a few trail spurs are taken, the path meets Embudo Horse Trail near a small arroyo. Cacti give way to pine trees as the winding trail nears the back of the canyon. Watch for patches of snow and ice late in the year in shady sections.

At the canyon wall, the trail begins a series of steep, demanding switchbacks. A few rocks make the climb harder. The challenging climb will last for the final three quarters of a mile, with the canyon walls framing a nice view of Albuquerque to the west.

Embudo Trail ends at the top of a lower saddle on the Sandias. Three Gun Springs Trail runs in either direction.