Planned Hike: Loop Trail via Access Road

I have a few more weeks before I move (three and a half or so) and because I don’t have a whole lot of stuff, packing is hardly going to take any time at all. Because of that, I don’t think I’ll even start until like the weekend of the 24-25 of April, leaving this weekend free for a couple hikes.

In doing my usual research for a trail, I’ve come across the Loop Trail via Access Road near Cedar Crest. AllTrails has this trail classified as an easy 1.4 mile loop trail with a 187 foot elevation gain. In looking at the elevation profile, it looks like the steepest grade I’ll encounter is a brief stint at 18%. I’ve certainly battled worse before.

I do plan on taking Ash with me once more. Since it’s a shorter trail, he should be able to make it around with minimal issues. I would like to stop a little more frequently and take some pictures, but we’ll see if he lets me do that (he’s usually pretty good about it though.)

Aside from that, I did find a very short half mile hike at the top of the Sandia Crest called the 4 Seasons Nature Trail. The only issue with that is the trailhead is just outside of the Ten3 restaurant at the top of the tram, making that the only way to get to that trailhead, unless I want to hike 15 miles to it. I don’t think I’m in that kind of condition though. As it were, that’s not a hike I’ll be able to take Ash on, so I’ll have to do that one solo (or invite someone to go with me (Alan?)) Couple good things about that, I’d be able to cross another item off my To-Do List and stopping for a refreshing drink or casual meal after the hike certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing. I’ll keep you posted on those plans…

In the meantime, stay tuned. I’m in the process of writing an article about one of my favorite things about living in New Mexico. I should have that up in the next day or two.

Until then…

-Phil