I’m sure you’ll be sorry you missed it and you will be to when you see these pictures! The colors may hold for another week!

Located approximately 1.5 hours from Albuquerque this is one trail that is not to be missed! The colors in the fall are incredible due to the largest stand of Large Tooth Maples in New Mexico in Tajique Canyon in the Mountainair Ranger District.  Terrain ranges from steep climbs to some rocky trails.

The newly opened Gutierrez Open Space is a great afternoon ride, just 15 minutes from Tramway Blvd and Central in Albuquerque.   it is located  between Hwy 14 and Gutierrez Canyon Rd.  It can be accessed from either Gutierrez Canyon Rd or Hwy 14.  Just behind the post office there is a parking area and a fenced area with a hitching post, they even planted corn for the horses to snack on!

The 400 acres was rescued from development by the Milne family and Mayor Martin Chavez who took on the task of having the city manage it through the open space network.  The $2.2 million purchase was funded by the City of Albuquerque, capital outlays from the New Mexico legislature, and New Mexico Land, Wildlife, and Clean Energy funds.  Key support was provided by Governor Bill Richardson, Senator Sue Wilson Beffort, Senator Kent Cravens, Representative Kathy McCoy, Representative Mimi Stewart, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, and Albuquerque Councilors Isaac Benton and Martin Heinrich.  Thanks to all of them for keeping the area for all of us to enjoy!

The ride takes about 1.5 hours each way.  There are a few steep and rocky areas but mostly just a fun trail ride!  We opted for lunch at Ribs but there is also a coffee shop/deli called Woobies that is terrific as well!  (Tell Linda I sent you!)

Our friends Radu and Daniela joined us from Texas with their Arabian endurance horse and Paso fino; they took these great pictures.

Here is the Utube video taken by Daniella as we rode, of course it was mostly of the guys they are the publicity hams!

gutierrez canyon ride