ADA Sensory Trail at Tijeras Arroyo Bio-Zone Opens

The City’s Open Space Division (OSD) opened Albuquerque’s newest trail, allowing everyone to experience nature in a new way. The ADA-accessible sensory trail at the Tijeras Arroyo Bio-Zone Education Center is designed for people of all abilities to explore through touch, sound, sight, and smell all while learning about local ecology and history.

“We’re building spaces where everyone can connect with nature, learn about our environment, and feel like they belong,” said Mayor Tim Keller. This is what inclusive progress looks like.”

The sensory trail is a new feature of this property that is being developed for public use and is part of a larger collaborative plan to enhance restoration and programming in the Tijeras Creek Cultural Corridor. OSD worked closely with the CIUDAD Soil and Water Conservation District, which led the project, and other community groups and partners. 

CIUDAD received $498,408 in grant funding for stream restoration, floodplain improvements, and education infrastructure, including designing and building the new trail. The City provided matching in-kind support to help bring the vision to life. The new trail exceeds standard ADA requirements and serves as a model for other communities aiming to expand equitable outdoor access.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to engage with nature, and this space makes that possible,” said Parks & Recreation Department Director Dave Simon.

“This trail is truly an oasis and serves hikers of all abilities,” said Councilor Renee Grout. “I was honored to work with our Legislators, City Councilors, the Administration, and the staff at Open Space to ensure this project was funded and bring it into fruition. I look forward to enjoying this gem right outside of our city.

A powerful coalition of community partners came together for this project including Hero’s Path Palliative Care, Nature Matters, Talking Talons, and NM Volunteers for the Outdoors.

“Accessible nature trails are rare in New Mexico and across the country. We hope that this acts as a blueprint for others to jump on and expand these spaces,” said Theresa Aragon, the education coordinator at CIUDAD. “From the start we listened to the families and their voices shaped every step of this design.”

Besides trail construction, CIUDAD and OSD completed significant stream and riparian restoration. They also installed different mechanisms to slow and filter stormwater runoff from Route 66 Open Space.

The Tijeras Arroyo Bio-Zone Sensory Trail welcomes visitors seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The site will remain open while construction is underway on the Education Center. Once complete, the open hours will be extended. An overall master plan for the Tijeras Arroyo Education Center (a 25-acre property) is being finalized for review this fall. Following Environmental Planning Commission approval, further work to implement the plan will start.

Located in the heart of the Tijeras Creek Cultural Corridor (TCCC), this trail is the latest in a growing network of open space projects that celebrate the area’s natural and cultural heritage. The site’s restoration work and improvements are ongoing, with more educational and ecological enhancements on the way. Learn more about the TCCC.