Hiking with Kids Open
Manzano/Four Hills Open Space
4.7(134)4.7 out of 5 stars, 134 reviews Albuquerque, NM
About Manzano/Four Hills Open Space
Manzano/Four Hills Open Space offers a free, diverse trail system with options for various fitness levels, from gradual inclines to steeper, narrower paths. Its unique value lies in the panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and the city, coupled with access to unique features like large boulders for climbing, a small canyon with running water (even in summer/fall), and a 'little beach' area. It's an excellent choice for active families seeking scenic outdoor exploration.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking a free, active outdoor adventure.Families with active children or teens who enjoy challenging hikes and exploration.Dog owners looking for a pet-friendly hiking spot with amenities.Morning outings to beat the heat and crowds.Individuals or families looking for panoramic views.
Why families love it
- Free entry, providing excellent value for a diverse outdoor experience.
- Panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and the city, including I-40.
- Diverse trail system catering to different activity levels (gradual to steep/narrow).
- Specific sections with unique features, like large, round boulders for climbing to viewpoints.
- Northernmost sections offer shade and a small canyon with running water, even in warmer months.
- A 'little beach' area accessible via certain trails.
Insider tips
- Visit in the morning to avoid heat and generally fewer crowds.
- For shade and potential running water during summer and fall, head to the northernmost sections, just south of I-40.
- Wear appropriate footwear, especially if you have ankle problems or plan to tackle steeper, uneven terrain.
- If seeking an easier hike, choose the trail to the right, which offers a more gradual incline and fewer twists.
- Consider visiting during colder months for a more comfortable hiking experience due to the lack of shade.
- Bring bikes for an alternative way to explore the trails.
Good to know before you go
- Hot summer afternoons, particularly outside the shaded northern sections, due to intense sun exposure.
- Parents with very young children in strollers on the narrow, twisted, or steep sections of trails.
- Individuals with significant ankle problems should avoid trails with dips and twists, opting for the more gradual paths.
- Significant lack of shade across most trails, making it less comfortable during hotter months, especially in the afternoon.
- Some sections of the trail are narrow with dips and twists, which may be challenging for individuals with ankle problems, very young children, or those pushing strollers.
- Crowds
- Generally few people in the morning.
- Value
- This venue is completely free to access, offering exceptional value for families. It provides extensive trails, beautiful views, and unique natural features without any cost, making it highly competitive against paid entertainment options.
- Accessibility
- No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned. Some trails are described as narrow, steep, and with dips/twists, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues or strollers.
- Safety
- No specific safety features like staff supervision, first aid, or controlled access were mentioned in the reviews. Visitors should practice standard hiking safety precautions.
What parents say
"Highly recommend. I usually go in the morning to beat the heat and there are generally few people. Doggie bags are provided for your pet's poo. The trail narrows in some places in the section that's closest to the houses and there are some dips and twists that may not be best for ankle problems, like mine. The trail to the right (not the private one on the far right) has a more gradual incline and not as many twists. Gave the glutes a good workout. Otherwise an enjoyable hike no matter which way you embark."
8 months ago
"Seems like a good place to bring your bike, jogg or walk up in elevation for views and to get your heart pumping. I chose the steeper narrow trail going up along the right. Soon we were pretty high up. There's a lot of round boulders along the O.S toward the very top of the hill I got up on the largest boulder to get the view and that feeling of freedom or frontier + a birds eye view. All trails said there were two loops/hikes. I was shooting for the more lengthy or difficult one. I will return to cover the one to the left. Found old pickup carcass. Saw views of both Mountain, Valley and city "
a year ago
"Great trails system that has more mileage than one would think… definitely better during the colder months as there’s no real shade, unless one goes to the northernmost sections—just south of I-40, which is also nice in the summer as the small canyon often has running water, even in the summer and fall."
3 weeks ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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