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Accessibility on Open Space Lands

The City of Albuquerque Open Space Division recognizes the need for accessible recreation for all visitors. Accessibility is a top priority with Open Space as new parking areas and facilities are developed.

The following trails comply with standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

Cottonwood Springs Trail

This trail, in the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area & Albert G. Simms Park, provides a half-mile long paved trail that starts at a designated trail head and ends at the wildlife viewing blind. Shaded rest stops with interpretive artwork displays add to the ambience of this trail.

Rio Bravo Riverside Picnic Area, Fishing Pier, and Nature Trail

An accessible ¼-mile loop trail winds under a canopy of cottonwoods, passing by the quiet flow of the Rio Grande. Visitors can picnic at one of three sites or fish for rainbow trout from the fully accessible fishing pier. The Paseo del Bosque trail may also be accessed from the parking area. To access the Rio Bravo Riverside Picnic Area take Rio Bravo Blvd. west from Broadway. Before the bridge turn right onto Poco Loco Rd. and follow it directly west into the parking area

Alameda / Rio Grande Open Space

From the Paseo del Bosque trail ducks, geese and other wildlife can be viewed enjoying the Alameda Wetland. This constructed wetland is intended to replicate the natural wetlands that historically occupied the floodplain of the Rio Grande.
Distinguished cottonwoods shade two picnic areas at the northeast corner of the Alameda bridge from the New Mexico sun.
Alameda offers ample parking and easily accommodates horse trailers. Access is on the southeast side of the Alameda Blvd. bridge.

Carolino Canyon

This 40-acre facility is located 9 miles south of I-40 on NM Highway 337. Nestled in an area populated by ponderosa, piñón, juniper, scrub oak and yucca, Carolino Canyon proves to be an ideal location for gatherings of all kinds.  The facility can accommodate up to 250 people and consists of two large picnic shelters with electrical outlets. There are numerous small picnic areas, tetherball units, horseshoe pits, volleyball facilities, charcoal grills and a fire pit.  The facility also has a paved hiking trail that is wheelchair accessible.
Group reservations are required.

Pueblo Montano Picnic Area and Trailhead

This multi-use recreational facility provides West-side access to the bosque trail-system; dedicated ADA and equestrian-parking areas; and an ADA-accessible picnic area with interpretive educational signage for the public to enjoy.
Pueblo Montano is located south of Montano Road; east of Coors Boulevard; and west of the Rio Grande river.

Rio del Norte Picnic Area

An accessible loop trail winds under a shady canopy of cottonwoods. There are a number of large picnic tables located along the trail and near the parking area. The trail provides excellent views of the river and migratory wildlife such as ducks, geese, and Sandhill cranes. The accessible trail connects to longer walking trails through the bosque.
The Rio del Norte Picnic Area on the east side of the Rio Grande can be accessed via the Paseo del Bosque multi-use trail. Vehicle access is north of Central Avenue and west of Tingley Drive near the Albuquerque Biological Park. Limited parking spaces are available.