Michael Emery Trailhead
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Michael Emery Trailhead offers a versatile outdoor experience ideal for families looking to walk, run, or bike amidst stunning desert and mountain scenery. Its unique value proposition lies in its combination of smooth, accessible paths for various activity levels, panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains and Albuquerque, and its connection to a wider network of trails for those seeking longer or more challenging adventures.
Key Highlights
- ✓Versatile for walking, running, biking, and mountain biking, catering to different fitness levels.
- ✓Smooth terrain ideal for leisurely strolls, brisk walks, and invigorating cycling sessions.
- ✓Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sandia Mountains and the entire city of Albuquerque.
- ✓Provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and observe desert flora and fauna.
- ✓Connects to a network of other trails, allowing for extended hikes or rides further into the mountains.
Standout Features
- ⭐Exceptional scenic views of the Sandia Mountains and the city of Albuquerque.
- ⭐Flexibility in activities: caters to walkers, runners, bikers, and mountain bikers.
- ⭐Interconnectivity with an 'endless' network of other trails, providing options for varied lengths and difficulties.
- ⭐Enjoyable desert flora and fauna viewing opportunities.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Consider visiting during the week if parking is a priority, as it can be less busy.
- →If the main parking lot is full, drive farther down the road as street parking alternatives are available.
- →Go around sunset for a spectacular view of the Sandia Mountains illuminated.
- →Bring sun protection (hats, sunscreen) due to the limited shade, especially during summer or midday visits.
- →Check trail maps (if available) to understand the network connections for longer hikes or rides.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Lack of significant shade, which may be an issue during peak sun hours, especially in summer.
- ⚠Parking can be a challenge to find 'most of the time', especially on busy days or during peak hours (e.g., weekday evenings).
Price & Value
No pricing information mentioned, implying free access to the trailhead and trails.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations (e.g., ADA restrooms, paved wheelchair paths) are mentioned.
- •However, 'smooth terrain' and 'paths perfect for a leisurely stroll' might suggest suitability for some robust strollers or less rigorous mobility aids, but parents should verify on-site for specific needs.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information provided regarding food or drink policies. Assume visitors bring their own water and snacks, as is common for outdoor trails.
🚗Parking Info
- •A dedicated parking lot exists at the trailhead.
- •Parking can be challenging to find 'most of the time', with one reviewer stating they 'got lucky' on a weekday after work.
- •Alternative parking is available by driving farther down the road and parking on the side if the lot is full.
- •One reviewer noted the parking lot was 'less than half full' on a July Saturday morning, suggesting variability in crowd levels and parking availability.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Can be 'busy on regular day' (weekdays).
- •Expect 'plenty of runners and bikers' on weekend mornings (e.g., July Saturday morning).
- •Despite being busy, the parking lot might not always be completely full, but finding a spot can still require luck or alternative street parking.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features (e.g., patrols, first aid stations, emergency call boxes) are explicitly mentioned in the reviews. Standard outdoor trail safety precautions should be followed.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Midday during hot summer months if shade is a high priority.
- • If you have mobility issues that require paved, completely flat surfaces (while paths are 'smooth', they are still trails).
- • Expecting ample, guaranteed parking during peak times (e.g., weekday after-work hours), as it can be challenging.
Pricing/Package/Events
🍎Food Policy
- • Picnic shelters are available at Elena Gallegos Picnic Area, Menaul, and Embudo Canyon.
- • Menaul Trailhead provides 4 shaded picnic areas.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • For emergencies, call 911.
- • To report suspicious activity or vehicle lock-ins, call 242-COPS (2677).
- • Information about fire prevention and restriction levels is available.
- • Awareness of wildlife including mule deer, coyote, black bear, cougar, rabbit, rock squirrel, lizard, and rattlesnake is recommended.
🚗Parking Information
- • Parking areas are available at various trailheads.
- • Access Foothills Open Space parking areas from Interstate 40, exit onto Tramway (north for all sites except Route 66).
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 3 reviews)
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 6 reviews)
Recent Reviews
M T
2 months agoGreat place to walk, run or bike Great place to walk, run or bike This area offers a wonderful opportunity for enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. The paths are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk. Those seeking a more intense workout can enjoy a refreshing run. Cyclists will also find the smooth terrain ideal for a leisurely ride or an invigorating training session. It's a truly pleasant environment for all kinds of outdoor activities.
Artem Metelskiy
a year agoMarch 20, 2024 Visited this trail on regular weekday after work and got lucky to find a parking spot. Michael Emery trail joins the network of other endless trails. This trail surrounded by Sandia mountain 🏔️ and turning back shows whole ABQ. One of the best trails in the area, no wonder it’s busy on regular day
Sean Macken
2 weeks agoA nice place to go hiking or mountain biking. It is spelled Michael Emery, not Michial Emery.
Matt Townsley
a year agoFamily-friendly hike. We saw plenty of runners and bikers on a July Saturday morning. Not a ton of shade. Parking lot was less than half full. Enjoyable views of the Sandias.
Alex Kolkena
4 years agoThis was a really fun hike! I had a great time. Lots of great views of desert flora and fauna. Also, a great view of the Sandia Mountains. I suggest going around sunset to enjoy the mountains illuminated. The trail connects to some other trails that go farther up the mountains. It's a challenge to find parking most of the time, so visit during the week if you can. If the lot is full, you drive farther down and park on the side of the road.
Contact Information
High Desert St, Albuquerque, NM 87111, USA
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