Set on a paved road through McKellington Canyon, this running trail is perfect for those that want a little challenge on their run. The climb is about 600 feet, which gives a steady uphill challenge to the first couple of miles, but then pick up speed as you loop back around and race back down the canyon. This is on a road surface, so be sure to watch for traffic, but this is a fairly lonely road.

Meandering around a neighborhood, with varying surfaces, this running and hiking trail is an easy place to run near the city. The total loop is just about 2 miles, making for a great distance for novice runners, while more experienced runners can easily use this track for multiple loops. The surface is more or less flat, with a well-maintained surface.

If you are stuck in the city and need to get a run in, head over to the Albuquerque Academy secondary school. There is a hard-packed dirt trail around the perimeter that will help you get some miles in. Very flat, no technical terrain.

Chimney Rock trail is located in Ghost Ranch, NM. The trailhead sign and archway for the most popular hike is located behind the Museums, past Corral Block complex. Cross the arroyo and follow the trail up the ridge. From the top there is an excellent view of the Piedra Lumbre Basin. The hike is 1.5-2 hrs and has wonderful views.

One of five trails in the Petroglyphs National Monument, the Rinconada Canyon Trail will take you through prehistoric and historic petroglyphs.This trail is a loop, although you can always walk back the way you came and see just how many petroglyphs you may have missed! The art here ranges from the Ancestral Pubelo around 500 years ago, to ranchers less than 100 years ago. Dogs are allowed on leash. No entrance fees are required. Stop by the visitors center, just a little further up the road to get detailed maps and information.

Dripping Springs was once a bustling resort village, started in the 1870's by Confederate Civil War veteran Eugene Van Patten. Hike around the area on the well maintained trails to see the old, dilapidated buildings of the Van Patten Resort and Boyd Sanatorium and to get a feel for this hidden oasis in the desert. This hike will take you along the base of the Organ Mountains, through arroyos and grasslands filled with abundant wildlife and up into Fillmore Canyon, where you will see a waterfall. Dripping Springs is also known for it's "weeping walls" and lush, oasis-like atmosphere. This trail system is not great for mountain bikes, although they are allowed. There is a $3 day use fee per vehicle at the parking lot.

The La Luz Trail climbs from the base of the Sandia mountains all the way up to the peak, so be prepared for a challenging trek. That is why this loop ends with a nice, 15 minute scenic tram ride back down to your starting point. If you wish, however, you can go back the way you came, or make it a shuttle - leaving a parked car at either end. This trail will lead you to spectacular views amid an immense amount of switchbacks used to ease the rapid elevation gain. Enjoy the giant granite slabs and boulders that are the Sandia Mountains while hiking over talus slopes and above lush, vegetated valleys. One-way tram tickets can be purchased at either end for $12/person, and it usually runs from 9 am - 5 pm. There is a parking fee of $1 to park at the Sandia Peak Tramway grounds. Because this is in the wilderness, mountain bikes are not allowed. This trail is listed as no dogs, due to the fact that they are not allowed on the tram down.

Take a hike around the Rio Grande Nature Center, park of the Rio Grande Valley State Park. This center is a 270 acre preserve and a very popular spot for wildlife viewing. This trail runs all through the bosque, or river forest, and some reconstructed wetlands which house huge populations of Canada Geese and Sandhill Cranes in the late fall & winter. This route will also take you across the Montano Bridge to the Pueblo Montano - an Open Space art project that arose from the ashes of the 2003 bosque fire. Here you will find sculptures crafted by chainsaw artists from the burned trees - memorials to the lost wildlife. No dogs or bicycles allowed. $3 entrance fee per vehicle.

Aspen Vista Road is a service road that requires no technical skills, just a strong pair of lungs. The parking lot is located at 10,000 feet and you will be climbing the whole way up to the summit of Tesuque Peak - if you aren't acclimated to the altitude, this one will burn. Summer will bring ample wildflowers but also mid-afternoon thunderstorms, so be prepared. Fall, on the other hand, has much more stable weather and you can enjoy the changing colors of the trees. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with amazing views in all directions. This road will also connect you to a bunch of other single track routes at the top, so bring a map and enjoy the area.

Head out of the city and check out the extinct volcanoes in Petroglyph National Monument. This ride is really easy, but there are a few rocky/sandy spots that bump it up to a 2 difficulty level. You'll find some fairly challenging climbs on this route, with the rocks and sand making it a bit more of a slog. Take plenty of water in the summer, as this entire route is very exposed. Also, consider bringing a patch kit, as there are goat heads galore. These volcanoes are a must see and this is a great way to see all 5!