City of Albuquerque Celebrates $2M West Mesa Trail Improvements and Ruth Eisenberg Legacy
Trail work honors West Mesa’s heritage and connects community through “Stories of Us”.
The City of Albuquerque celebrated the completion of $2 million in trail improvements on the West Mesa. The overall project includes 6.5 miles of new natural surface trail, improvements to two trailhead parking lots, and a complete resurfacing of the 4.5 mile Paseo de La Mesa Trail. In addition, the City unveiled a new “Stories of Us” trailhead sign honoring Ruth Eisenberg, known as the “Volcano Lady” for her pioneering efforts in the 1960s to protect Albuquerque’s volcanic landscape.
“This project is about more than recreation,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “It’s about community, heritage, and ensuring future generations can experience and explore the landscapes that define Albuquerque.”
“We are excited to partner with the City of Albuquerque to create more outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. Two new trailheads, new singletrack and a repaved section of trail creates a lasting benefit for all of us,” said Carl Colonius, Program Manager, NM Outdoor Recreation Division.
Upgrades include completion of the Volcano View Trail, a new 6.5-mile natural surface trail that represents the first phase of a planned 25-mile trail system. The Volcano View Trailhead, located off 81st, and the newly renamed Ruth Eisenberg Trailhead, located off Atrisco Vista Boulevard, were also updated. The Volcano View Trail and work on the two associated trailheads were funded by a $295,000 New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division Trails+ Grant, which was matched with $338,000 from the City of Albuquerque.
The 4.5-mile Paseo de La Mesa Trail was completely resurfaced to address cracks and wear that had made the trail difficult for cyclists. Together, these additions dramatically expand recreational access to Albuquerque’s volcanic landscape for walkers, runners, cyclists, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts. This project was funded by $1.3 million of City trails funds.
The trailhead at Atrisco Vista was named in honor of Ruth Eisenberg, a founding member of Save the Volcanoes, Inc., a grassroots advocacy group formed in the 1970s to prevent large-scale development on the West Mesa. Eisenberg, affectionately known as “The Volcano Lady,” was instrumental in preserving thousands of acres of volcanic terrain including the cinder cones and petroglyph-rich escarpment that would later become part of Petroglyph National Monument. In the 1980s her advocacy helped the City acquire Piedras Marcadas Canyon, one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in the region. She also served as a founding member of the City’s Open Space Task Force, paving the way for what has become a 30,000-acre open space system managed by the City of Albuquerque. The new trailhead stands as a tribute to her vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication to conservation.
“We can’t all be ruth, but we can honor her legacy by respecting the volcanoes and this beautiful landscape” said Diane Souder, Chair of the Open Space Advisory Board.
The new 6.5-mile Volcano View Trail was constructed by the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, Open Space Division staff, and volunteers. The West Mesa Trail Plan was prepared by the Open Space Division with the assistance of local design firm Sites Southwest. Westwind Landscape constructed the trailhead improvements and Accent Landscapes completed the repaving of the Paseo de La Mesa Trail.
This entire effort is part of the West Mesa Trails Plan, a collaborative planning initiative led by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division. The plan identifies up to 25 miles of new multi-use trails that connect key natural features and existing open space areas including Petroglyph National Monument, which is jointly managed by the City and the National Park Service. Phase One of the plan, now completed, represents a major leap forward in realizing that long-term vision.
“These new trail connections bring together people, nature, and history,” added Parks & Recreation Director Dave Simon. “We’re proud to honor Ruth Eisenberg’s legacy in such a lasting way, and to open new opportunities for everyone to explore one of the most stunning and meaningful landscapes in New Mexico.”