Open Space
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 latest 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 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
CANCELLED: Annual spring clean-ups in the Foothills
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Mayor Keller, Open Space Superintendent, Bernalillo County, and Federal Partners Encourage Residents to Visit Less-Utilized Trails and Parks to Help Keep Open Space Open
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City of Albuquerque Invests $1.7 Million to Secure City Parks and Recreation Facilities
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DETOUR ANNOUNCEMENT: Final Work on North Diversion Channel Trail Improvements Begins
- Contact Information
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Open Space Administration
Parks and Recreation
(505) 452-5200