City Opens Route 66 Trailhead

The City’s newest open space trailhead — Route 66 — is now open to the public. This trail functions as a new community access point to the Manzano/Four-Hills and Tijeras Bio-Zone trail system. It’s also a key stop along the Tijeras Creek Cultural Corridor, a collaborative initiative celebrating the region’s rich environmental and cultural history.

“This trailhead connects us to each other, to the land, and to the deep history that surrounds us,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “It’s the kind of place where learning and outdoor adventure go hand in hand.”

“This is just a first step in an incredible project to really make this corridor vibrant and recognized, the beautiful history and geology of this,” said Bernalillo County Commissioner Eric Olivas.

Located on the site of former “Little Beaver Town,” a brief but memorable Route 66 roadside attraction, the City purchased the property in 2010. It’s since been transformed into a thoughtfully designed open space area that includes equestrian parking, an accessible hilltop trail, shaded picnic areas, and interpretive signage. The area connects to an expansive trail network through the Manzano Four-Hills and Tijeras Bio-Zone. It also serves as the western gateway to the recently acquired 145-acre Diamond Rock property.

“This spot is made for exploring!” said Parks & Recreation Department Director Dave Simon. “Whether you’re riding, hiking or just out for a breath of fresh air, it’s fun, beautiful, and now open.”

“This project was super important to us as it does tell the history of the area,” said J.J .Herrera, president of the Cañón de Carnué Land Grant. “Some of our own people were very surprised to read some of the history that they didn’t even know about.”

The Route 66 Trailhead is one of several sites along the Tijeras Creek Cultural Corridor, a multi-jurisdictional initiative that spans the Tijeras watershed from Albuquerque’s Singing Arrow Community Center and archaeological site to the Village of Tijeras. Other locations include the Tijeras Bio-Zone Education Center, the Carnué Land Grant Hall, and Bernalillo County’s Tijeras Remediation Site, each featuring interpretive signage that highlights Indigenous histories, Spanish land grant traditions, local ecosystems, and water resources.

“We have so much history here, so much culture, and it’s just right outside our door,” said Councilor Renee Grout. “Who knew that we’re in the City but we’re five minutes from being in an oasis.”

The City is also making more improvements to the site, including adding additional interpretive signage about “Little Beaver Town.

The City encourages the public to explore the Route 66 Trailhead and other locations throughout the corridor to experience the unique landscapes, stories, and cultural layers of the Tijeras region firsthand. Learn more here.

For more information, trail maps, and educational resources, visit cabq.gov/openspace.