Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Three Gun Spring Trail (194)
Hiking
5.0
(3)
This Highlight goes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Sandia Mountain Wilderness
Tips
June 21, 2025
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Three Gun Spring Trail (194)
4.5
(2)
9
hikers
5.30km
02:00
260m
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The Three Gun Spring Trail (194) loop from Carnuel offers a demanding yet rewarding hike through the Sandia Mountains foothills. You'll start in high desert terrain, passing cacti and boulders, before ascending through switchbacks where the path becomes rockier and looser. The continuous climb provides increasingly expansive views of Albuquerque, the Manzanita Mountains, and the Monzanos, making the effort worthwhile.
This moderate 3.3-mile (5.3 km) loop involves a significant 868 feet (264 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 2 hours. Due to its southern exposure, it's an excellent choice for winter hiking, but be prepared for intense sun and heat if you tackle it in summer. Always bring ample water, as the namesake Three Gun Spring is not a reliable water source.
This route is a fantastic way to experience the ecological transition from arid desert to higher, cooler mountain environments. It's a challenging workout with continuous scenic overlooks, perfect for hikers who enjoy a steady climb and panoramic vistas without venturing too far from Carnuel.
Details
Informations
Distance 194 m
Uphill 20 m
Weather
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Today
Sunday 28 June
30°C
17°C
12 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h