Open Space

Information about the City of Albuquerque's Open Space Division.

About the Open Space Division

Open Space works to acquire and protect the natural character of land designated as major public Open Space in the 1988 revised City of Albuquerque Comprehensive Plan.

These lands, which comprise more than 29,000 acres in and around Albuquerque, are managed to:

Conserve natural and archaeological resources
Provide opportunities for outdoor education
Provide a place for low impact recreation
Define the edges of the urban environment.

Candelaria Nature Preserve

Click here to view the December 6, 2019 version of the Candelaria Nature Preserve Resource Management Plan

Bear Canyon Draft Visitor Use Plan

A public meeting was held November 14, 2019, to discuss proposed changes to the trail system at Bear Canyon Open Space. Members of the public are invited to review the plan and email comments to [email protected] by December 16, 2019. The OSD will hold a second public meeting to discuss the revised plan in the new year.

Click here to view the November 2019 draft Visitor Use Plan for Bear Canyon Open Space. Please note that this plan was updated as of Friday, November 8th, 2019.

Open Space Lands Information

Maps! Download Open Space trail maps.
City Open Space Space partners with Google to provide virtual tours of Open Space trails.
View City of Albuquerque Open Space land information.
Open Space Annual Pass form and information.

The Open Space Visitor Center

The Open Space Visitor Center (OSVC) has exhibits interpreting the natural and cultural resources the Open Space Division protects.
See a variety of art and media from local, national and international artists in the Open Space Visitor Center Gallery.

The Open Space Alliance

Join the Open Space Division's non-profit friends group, the Open Space Alliance.

Open Space 35th Anniversary

In 2019 we celebrate City of Albuquerque Open Space's 35th anniversary with a slate of programming to help citizens know and appreciate Albuquerque's public lands. Learn more by downloading our 35th Anniversary Calendar of Events

Open Space Summer Series

From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, the Open Space Division celebrates the beauty of Elena Gallegos park, Open Space trails and other properties with its annual Open Space Summer Series. The Saturday programming features sunset concerts and other programs at Elena Gallegos park. Sundays, explore a new area or engage with Open Space through presentations from experts in the field. To register, create an account or log in at play.cabq.gov. Stay tuned for Summer Series 2020 events!

Open Space Featured Events

View upcoming events at the Open Space events calendar.

Open Space Activities

See information about the Shooting Range State Park.
Learn about paddle sports and other activities in the Rio Grande Valley State Park.
Teachers, parents and students: learn about the Open Space Alliance's Get into Open Space!

Volunteer

Learn about Trail Watch and Visitor Center volunteering.

Open Space News

Learn about relevant news items and read the quarterly Open Space Newsletter and back issues online.

Rules and Regulations

See a list of general Open Space rules and regulations for Visitors.
Find out about general Parks and Recreation Department rules and regulations.
Want to host a special event on Open Space lands? All special events require a permit! Please see our list of Open Space regulations for more information.

The Open Space Advisory Board

The Open Space Advisory Board consists of citizens that assist the Open Space Division with the implementation of the Division's Mission.

Open Space Events

Out of Doors: Acts of Ecology in Albuquerque

Oct 12, 2019 09:00 AM to Jan 31, 2020 05:00 PM

The vision of Art Park 21 (AP21) is for an innovative 21st century art park located in New Mexico. The park will feature eco-art installations that take 21st century views of our relationship with our ecosphere. The inaugural exhibition of the project is “Out of Doors: Acts of Ecology in Albuquerque.”

ONGOING: The Creative World of Judith Weichsel Carr

Jan 11, 2020 02:00 PM to Feb 23, 2020 05:00 PM

Judith Weichsel Carr was an important member of the New Mexico arts community from the time she arrived here in the late 1960’s. She was an innovating force in modern tapestry weaving and fiber arts through her teaching, her exhibits, and her work with other artists and private students. While she and her beloved husband, TJ, raised their son, John, she received an M.A. in Counseling and was an integral part in the creation of Jewish Family Service. She traveled extensively and sought out artists in all media everywhere she went. She continued to explore fiber art and create beautiful and surprising work until the very end of her life.