old la luz is 100-percent a way more fun hike and up past the 5 it basically is just a straight shot through the forest to the bodhi tree. It is pretty steep, like the rest of old la luz. Probably about as steep as that first divergence gets on the edge of that cliff on la cueva. Pretty fun, you'll have to stop -- probably -- to catch your breath, it is exhausting, but there are a few nice stopping points with bolders to sit on. Last time I was there was in winter. The best move is not to go in winter, lol. Snow will be person deep.
Great video..I ran La Luz run-up a few times n da early 90's... gorgeous views n great scenery, enjoyed every minute of da trail, back then dey didn't have da restaurant at da top, got to try dat... happy trails
Not sure when the rock slide at the Five Mile marker occurred, but I'd guess it's been there for a very long time. There are a number of switchbacks through the slide area, but it's only rough on the bottom of your feet. If you restrict your hiking to good weather, then distance and elevation gain are the main challenges.
@@dafringe I was pretty high in the 70s so it may well havre been there. I don't think I'd try it these days, We just took the kids up to Placitas and walked around a little it as wonderful
Thanks once again sir. I will heed your advice. I really appreciate the quick response. I am still heading to ABQ on that time frame,looking into other hiking adventures. Might take the tram up and just enjoy the views and trails on top.
I have hiked that little spur trail that you took trying to find find chimney canyon. I took it just wanting to see where it leads to and it does become very dicey and extremely slanted. From what I recall about the trail. You really can't estimate how deep the drop off is but I would imagine several hundred feet. Good call to turn back around. I did the same thing, although I can tell extremist continued taking the almost untraveled trail.
It did get a little dicey, especially for a couple of old codgers like Marty and I. Probably shouldn't have gone as far as we did. If they don't close the mountain due to the very dry conditions this year, we may do this hike again. Now that we know how to get down to Chimney Canyon, we'll just drop down into the canyon and continue on until we rejoin the La Luz, which had been our intent on this hike.
Be safe hiking and I enjoy your videos. I hope this time you and Marty can complete your hike. I have never heard of Chimney Canyon and will now do some investigating in hopes to find it myself. I sure do hope we get a weather pattern that brings some much needed moisture. I did hear that weather models are forecasting a early wet monsoon season. I just hope that between now and monsoon season we can get some measurable precipitation to greatly reduce the fire season. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Chimney Canyon is pretty remote and the climb down into the canyon is extremely steep, so be careful. I hope you are right about an early and wet monsoon, but if we remain dry for the Spring, I'm betting they close the mountain in early-May. Sure hope I'm wrong. Thanks for checking out my videos and for taking the time to comment.
Unfortunately, we haven't done it again. If you just plan to hike up to the crest, you can reduce the distance by almost two miles each way if you take the Old La Luz (search my blog) up to The Five. If you plan on coming down Chimney Canyon, let me know and I'll give you a link to my blog article where I provide what I know about the Canyon in response to someone who asked me about it in the comments.
Thanks for the wonderful video. I was planning to take this hike in February 7,2020. After seeing this I realize due to snow and ice possibilities at the 5 mile mark it might be foolish. How far is it from the tram parking to the La Luz trailhead? Thanks again and keep on hiking.
Haven't hiked from the lower tram terminal to the La Luz Trailhead, so not sure of the distance. However, unless you are properly geared up, with an emphasis on a good traction system (like Kahtoola's Microspikes) and proper clothing, it most definitely would be "foolish" to attempt a hike up to the Crest House this time of year... or even just up to the five mile marker. We hike to the Five using sections of the old trail and sections of the main trail and I know the old-trail sections aren't clear. To be extra safe, I would suggest waiting until mid-April. Here is my blog entry from 2-19-2015 with snow/ice pics along sections of the old trail and at the Five: ondafringe.wordpress.com/2015/02/21/day-hike-old-la-luz-trail-to-the-five-sandia-mountains-albuquerque-new-mexico-usa/ If you want to cut some miles/time off the hike when you go in April, here is my blog entry on how to find the old-trail sections: ondafringe.wordpress.com/2014/04/27/map-old-la-luz-trail-sandia-mountains-albuquerque-new-mexico-usa/ Be safe!
If you are new to hiking, you probably shouldn't attempt to hike past the rock slide on the La Luz, and maybe not even to the rock slide, until you are in good enough shape to do a 10 mile hike with a lot of climbing. Know and respect your limits, that will keep you out of trouble. If you are new to hiking and want to see how you handle climbing, the South Piedra Lisa Trail would be a much better option to test your abilities. That trailhead is not far from the La Luz Trailhead and is a much shorter hike, but it still has a lot of climbing. I have a video of that hike here on my channel, plus you should read the hike reports on my blog, as well. Again, if you are new to hiking, I would use the trails here in the Sandias to explore your interest in hiking first. That said, the Vacas Trail in the SPPW is an easy hike with minimal climbing, so no reason you couldn't do that as long as you don't mind the 1.5 hours it takes to reach the trailhead and allow enough time to get back to your car before dark.
+Luis Garcia Hey, Luis. I have spent most of the past few months looking into Kenny's disappearance with the thought of searching for Kenny myself. However, the professional team for that area searched for him multiple times and the most significant item they found was Kenny's cell phone. Since they seem to have thoroughly covered the area I was planning to search, I don't feel my involvement is warranted at this time. I appreciate your interest, though.
The La Luz is not really a dangerous trail, nor are the switchbacks. However, hiking the La Luz is considered difficult due to distance and all the climbing. From the trailhead, it is five miles up to the rock slide, which means it is also five miles back down to the trailhead. Tack on 2,000 feet of elevation gain to a 10 mile round-trip hike to the rock slide can be taxing on those who are not in good shape. People get in trouble on the La Luz every year because they underestimate the distance they can hike, or the amount of water they will need, or how cold it can get up there during the cooler months.
Hiked to the top with my church group when I was 10yrs old in the 70’s.
old la luz is 100-percent a way more fun hike
and up past the 5 it basically is just a straight shot through the forest to the bodhi tree. It is pretty steep, like the rest of old la luz. Probably about as steep as that first divergence gets on the edge of that cliff on la cueva. Pretty fun, you'll have to stop -- probably -- to catch your breath, it is exhausting, but there are a few nice stopping points with bolders to sit on. Last time I was there was in winter. The best move is not to go in winter, lol.
Snow will be person deep.
Great video..I ran La Luz run-up a few times n da early 90's... gorgeous views n great scenery, enjoyed every minute of da trail, back then dey didn't have da restaurant at da top, got to try dat... happy trails
Jay Yazzie Thank you!
I hiked it as a teenager growing up in Burque, I don't remember that rock slide it looks a lot rougher now.
Not sure when the rock slide at the Five Mile marker occurred, but I'd guess it's been there for a very long time. There are a number of switchbacks through the slide area, but it's only rough on the bottom of your feet. If you restrict your hiking to good weather, then distance and elevation gain are the main challenges.
@@dafringe I was pretty high in the 70s so it may well havre been there. I don't think I'd try it these days, We just took the kids up to Placitas and walked around a little it as wonderful
Well done video, gave me a good idea of what to expect at the top of La Luz. Pretty impressive milage!
Thanks once again sir. I will heed your advice. I really appreciate the quick response. I am still heading to ABQ on that time frame,looking into other hiking adventures. Might take the tram up and just enjoy the views and trails on top.
new subscriber your videos are absolutely amazing thanks for sharing
Thanks for your comment!
I remember me , and my friend crossed through there when it was covered in snow. we made it to the top by night fall.
That trail can get treacherous when it's covered in snow/ice and you aren't wearing a traction device. Glad you two made it without issue.
This place looks a lot like Palm Springs aerial tramway in California.
I have hiked that little spur trail that you took trying to find find chimney canyon. I took it just wanting to see where it leads to and it does become very dicey and extremely slanted. From what I recall about the trail. You really can't estimate how deep the drop off is but I would imagine several hundred feet. Good call to turn back around. I did the same thing, although I can tell extremist continued taking the almost untraveled trail.
It did get a little dicey, especially for a couple of old codgers like Marty and I. Probably shouldn't have gone as far as we did. If they don't close the mountain due to the very dry conditions this year, we may do this hike again. Now that we know how to get down to Chimney Canyon, we'll just drop down into the canyon and continue on until we rejoin the La Luz, which had been our intent on this hike.
Be safe hiking and I enjoy your videos. I hope this time you and Marty can complete your hike. I have never heard of Chimney Canyon and will now do some investigating in hopes to find it myself. I sure do hope we get a weather pattern that brings some much needed moisture. I did hear that weather models are forecasting a early wet monsoon season. I just hope that between now and monsoon season we can get some measurable precipitation to greatly reduce the fire season.
Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Chimney Canyon is pretty remote and the climb down into the canyon is extremely steep, so be careful. I hope you are right about an early and wet monsoon, but if we remain dry for the Spring, I'm betting they close the mountain in early-May. Sure hope I'm wrong. Thanks for checking out my videos and for taking the time to comment.
Nice video. Trail not very well maintained, lots of natural rock slides. You guys did a great hike. Thanks
It was a challenging hike, to be sure. Will do it again now that we know how to get to Chimney Canyon is. Thanks for your comment!
Great video! Have you done it again? Im planning on hiking it this coming summer Have a good one
Unfortunately, we haven't done it again. If you just plan to hike up to the crest, you can reduce the distance by almost two miles each way if you take the Old La Luz (search my blog) up to The Five. If you plan on coming down Chimney Canyon, let me know and I'll give you a link to my blog article where I provide what I know about the Canyon in response to someone who asked me about it in the comments.
Thanks for the wonderful video. I was planning to take this hike in February 7,2020. After seeing this I realize due to snow and ice possibilities at the 5 mile mark it might be foolish. How far is it from the tram parking to the La Luz trailhead? Thanks again and keep on hiking.
Haven't hiked from the lower tram terminal to the La Luz Trailhead, so not sure of the distance. However, unless you are properly geared up, with an emphasis on a good traction system (like Kahtoola's Microspikes) and proper clothing, it most definitely would be "foolish" to attempt a hike up to the Crest House this time of year... or even just up to the five mile marker. We hike to the Five using sections of the old trail and sections of the main trail and I know the old-trail sections aren't clear. To be extra safe, I would suggest waiting until mid-April.
Here is my blog entry from 2-19-2015 with snow/ice pics along sections of the old trail and at the Five:
ondafringe.wordpress.com/2015/02/21/day-hike-old-la-luz-trail-to-the-five-sandia-mountains-albuquerque-new-mexico-usa/
If you want to cut some miles/time off the hike when you go in April, here is my blog entry on how to find the old-trail sections:
ondafringe.wordpress.com/2014/04/27/map-old-la-luz-trail-sandia-mountains-albuquerque-new-mexico-usa/
Be safe!
it's about 3 miles with 1000 feet of elevation gain
Would u recommend this trail or the las vacas in San Pedro parks for first time?
If you are new to hiking, you probably shouldn't attempt to hike past the rock slide on the La Luz, and maybe not even to the rock slide, until you are in good enough shape to do a 10 mile hike with a lot of climbing. Know and respect your limits, that will keep you out of trouble. If you are new to hiking and want to see how you handle climbing, the South Piedra Lisa Trail would be a much better option to test your abilities. That trailhead is not far from the La Luz Trailhead and is a much shorter hike, but it still has a lot of climbing. I have a video of that hike here on my channel, plus you should read the hike reports on my blog, as well.
Again, if you are new to hiking, I would use the trails here in the Sandias to explore your interest in hiking first. That said, the Vacas Trail in the SPPW is an easy hike with minimal climbing, so no reason you couldn't do that as long as you don't mind the 1.5 hours it takes to reach the trailhead and allow enough time to get back to your car before dark.
George Taylor thank you so much for the information-i do appreciate it
Could you go hike one day where the guy went missing in Nevada, with the M-Shape Cave video ! Maybe you could find out more intel about that area ?
+Luis Garcia Hey, Luis. I have spent most of the past few months looking into Kenny's disappearance with the thought of searching for Kenny myself. However, the professional team for that area searched for him multiple times and the most significant item they found was Kenny's cell phone. Since they seem to have thoroughly covered the area I was planning to search, I don't feel my involvement is warranted at this time. I appreciate your interest, though.
+George Taylor alright sounds like just an unsolved mystery, well thanks for responding and be safe with your hiking trips.
+Luis Garcia Thanks, Luis. Will do.
Those switch backs look very sketchy.🙄🙄🙄🙄 I guess this is not for a beginner?
The La Luz is not really a dangerous trail, nor are the switchbacks. However, hiking the La Luz is considered difficult due to distance and all the climbing. From the trailhead, it is five miles up to the rock slide, which means it is also five miles back down to the trailhead. Tack on 2,000 feet of elevation gain to a 10 mile round-trip hike to the rock slide can be taxing on those who are not in good shape. People get in trouble on the La Luz every year because they underestimate the distance they can hike, or the amount of water they will need, or how cold it can get up there during the cooler months.
🇲🇽 Mexico