Elena Gallegos and Simms Park

Although the park charges a (minimal) entry fee, it offers much more than the trailheads scattered throughout the area. Picnic tables, and bathroom facilities, in addition to a trail for every level of difficulty. And some of the most spectacular scenery as you walk.

My favorite trail is the Pino Trail (140) in Elena Gallegos. Although it's often called "challenging”" that happens later on, when it climbs into the Sandias. But it starts off across the level ground and then gives hikers the option of going into the Sandia Mountain Wilderness area. If you do the whole Pino Route, it is definitely rougher. But not required.

Follow it into the Wilderness and follow the slightly more challenging path into the woods. In Spring, following a winter of heavy snow on the mountains, there’s a gorgeous snow-melt stream that runs across the path. If it's running, start doing a bit of climbing and follow the stream back as far as you feel comfortable. Or, find some sandy water-side beach and have a picnic. Or follow the trail which will become more difficult.

On the way back, take the same trail, but when you get near the parking lot, take the right fork to the Philip Tollefsrud Memorial. Called the "Five Stones of Elena Gallegos" it is a collection of five boulders modified to form a memorial to conservationist Phil Tollefsrud. It's an unexpected art moment in the park.

Hiking in Elena Gallegos Although the park charges a (minimal) entry fee, it offers much more than the trailheads scattered throughout the area. Picnic tables, and bathroom facilities, in addition to a trail for every level of difficulty. And some of the most spectacular scenery as you walk. My favorite trail is the Pino Trail (140) in Elena Gallegos. Although it's often called "challenging”" that happens later on, when it climbs into the Sandias. But it starts off across the level ground and then gives hikers the option of going into the Sandia Mountain Wilderness area. If you do the whole Pino Route, it is definitely rougher. But not required. Follow it into the Wilderness and follow the slightly more challenging path into the woods. In Spring, following a winter of heavy snow on the mountains, there’s a gorgeous snow-melt stream that runs across the path. If it's running, start doing a bit of climbing and follow the stream back as far as you feel comfortable. Or, find some sandy water-side beach and have a picnic. Or follow the trail which will become more difficult. On the way back, take the same trail, but when you get near the parking lot, take the right fork to the Philip Tollefsrud Memorial. Called the "Five Stones of Elena Gallegos" it is a collection of five boulders modified to form a memorial to conservationist Phil Tollefsrud. It's an unexpected art moment in the park. © 2011
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Hiking in Elena Gallegos