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.

SOCIAL DISTANCING ON THE TRAILS:

While our Open Space trails are a great asset during this time, it’s critical that anyone visiting City Open Space and other public lands help take care of these lands as well. All trail users can help by practicing the following:

• Maintain social distancing on trails of at least 6 feet from other trail users.
• Keep group sizes to fewer than 5 people.
• Pick up after your pets. Mutt Mitt stations and trash cans are available at most trailheads.
• Pack out any trash from anything you bring with you on your hike (e.g. food wrappers, water bottles, etc.).
• Stay on all designated trails to help reduce soil erosion and disturbances to plants and wildlife.
• Enjoy, but do not disturb plants and wildlife.
• Do not remove any artifacts, rocks, or other things that belong in Open Space.
• Be courteous to other trail users and have fun.

Open Space trail users are also encouraged to remember general trail safety tips, like knowing where you are going, letting others know of your plans, and bringing a map, water, sunscreen and snack with you on any hike.

Finally, see more information below about properties that are less heavily used and provide opportunities for a safer experience. Other options include the Tijeras Arroyo, Juan Tomas, San Antonito, Calabacillas Arroyo, Manzano, and Quail Rancho Open Spaces. The City also manages Open Space in Sandoval County and the East Mountains, including Golden Open Space and the John A. Milne & Gutierrez Canyon. 

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.

Virtual Family Nature Club

Join us Sundays for virtual Family Nature Club for Littles (ages 3-7 years) and discover fun and engaging ways to get out and explore the environment right in your own backyard! We’ll weave in song, story, movement and themed activities that you can enjoy with your family in ways that make sense to your family in these changing times. In this virtual 45-minute meeting we will encourage kids to play and interact with their immediate outdoor environment, share their observations and experiences with other kids, and discover the magic of nature right outside their window. Please join us with paper and something to write with, ready to go. We will meet through Zoom. Click here to register online.

The Open Space Visitor Center

This facility is now open!

Adjusted hours are Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. CLOSED on Sundays

For those accessing the trails from the visitor center, please note that the Open Space Visitor Center parking lot gate closes at 5:00 pm

Open Space Featured Events

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