Elena Gallegos Picnic Area & Albert G. Simms
Parks
Visitors to Elena Gallegos Picnic Area and Albert G. Simms Park enjoy many activities below the backdrop of the Sandia Mountains, which were named for their pink colors at sunset - "sandia" is Spanish for "watermelon."
The 640-acre park is a gem in the Open Space system. At an elevation of about 6,500 feet, visitors can view Mt. Taylor to the west, the Jemez Mountains to the north and the vast Tijeras Arroyo to the south.
The landscape supports a piñon-juniper habitat that includes chamisa, Apache plume, scrub oak, cane cholla cactus, blue grama grass, bear grass, and soapweed yucca. If visitors use their observation skills pack rat nests can be seen under juniper trees, coyote and bear scat can be identified along the trail, and the elusive cougar may be spotted traveling through a natural drainage.
Recreation
Seven covered picnic areas and two reservation areas with barbecue
grills provide magnificent views to the east and the west. A network
of multi-use trails offer challenges to hikers, bikers and equestrians.
Hikers also enjoy two trails for foot traffic only and access to
the Sandia Mountain Wilderness area. On the north boundary of the
picnic area is the Cottonwood Springs Trail, a self-guiding trail
accessible to all people, leading to a pond and wildlife blind.
A special feature of the Cottonwood Springs Trail are the shaded
rest stops with original art work by Margie O'Brien interpreting
the surrounding environment. A map
of the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area trails 253Kb 
is available. Refer
to the facility chart and the facility map for more information.
School programs and family-based activities are offered throughout the year. Visit the Elena Gallegos Information Center, located at the entrance of the park, to learn more about the natural and cultural environment of this area.
Reservation Areas
The following two areas are available for group reservations:
Hours of Operation
Summer Hours (In effect starting April 1st): 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Winter Hours (In effect starting October 1st): 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Fee
Monday - Friday: $1.00
Saturday - Sunday: $2.00
Access
To access the park from I-40, exit on to Tramway north. After the Academy Road traffic light turn right onto Simms Park Road and travel east to the Information Center.