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Planning and Phasing

Learn about the plans for the Rail Trail.

The 7-mile Rail Trail Loop will connect key destinations in the greater downtown area like the National Hispanic Cultural Center, BioPark, Zoo, Old Town, Sawmill District, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Convention Center, Alvarado Transportation Center, and the Rail Yards.

A map showing the planned 7-mile Albuquerque Rail Trail loop connecting key destinations across the city. The map highlights sections through the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Sawmill District, Old Town, BioPark, Zoo, Historic Rail Yards, National Hispanic Cultural Center, Alvarado Transportation Center, and Convention Center. Solid yellow lines mark existing trail segments, red dashed lines indicate completed alignment studies, and blue dashed lines show alignments not yet finalized. The ABQ Rail Trail logo appears in the upper left corner.

The Rail Trail is a social equity infrastructure project that can:

  • Increase green space in our historic communities
  • Expand economic opportunities for workers and businesses
  • Add five miles of safe pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure for both commuters and families
  • Uplift the cultural heritage of historic neighborhoods
  • Grow public space acreage for community-based programming
  • Activate and develop vacant lots and buildings

Phasing Segments

Separate planning and construction phases for the Rail Trail include:

  • Sawmill (Complete October 2025)
  • Downtown
  • Wells Park
  • Barelas
  • Old Town

A rendering of the Rail Trail Sawmill Pavilion grass, trees, and people using the trail. 

Rail Trail Sawmill Fencing 3

Feasibility Studies and Alignment Plans