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The Paseo del Bosque Trail is a 16-mile urban greenway in Albuquerque.
About the Route
Following the Rio Grande for about 16 miles, the trail passes by the Rio Grande Conservation Center and the Albuquerque BioPark and Zoo. The only cars are on the occasional bridges that pass over the trail. The route is fairly flat the whole way except when passing under the bridges. Originally set aside as part of open land initiative, the Paseo del Bosque Trail is a highlight of Albuquerque.
The Paseo del Bosque Trail runs between Alameda Blvd (Albuquerque) and Rio Bravo Rd (Albuquerque), both of which offer parking.
Parking is available at:
These are not official addresses, please visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.
Lots of variety and space to explore. There’s a path for every person here with asphalt, wide dirt paths, smaller paths closer to the river, and paths that weave in and out of the trees and shrubs.
We loved this ride on our e-bikes. But be careful some of the bike riders go way to fast for the conditions. I came across a wooden bridge with people walking on it, I respectfully walked my bike across and bike rider came sailing around the corner, did not slow down and nearly took us all out. No apology..nothing. There are congested areas on the trail..be careful
We visited Albuquerque and found this trail it was a great ride!
Flat, long and smooth ride.
We started from the Journal Center RR Station Parking Lot on El Pueblo Rd NE and rode a nicely paved connecting trail (it runs parallel to RT-423) for about 2 miles to the Paseo del Bosque Trail. From there, my wife and I rode south to Rio Bravo Blvd SW (RT-500), before turning around and heading back north. On the return, we stopped at Tingley Beach for a break. There is a small pavilion there with some picnic tables and benches. There is also a well maintained restroom building.
Mid-October ride was wonderfully, relaxing and peaceful.
Despite the 107 degree temp, it was a good ride.
Relatively well marked and clean. The trail is particularly smooth.
Well maintained!
My friend and I ride this trail from Alameda to Rio Bravo and back, about 32 miles. We started a long time ago when it was first opened, back then only a handful of people would be riding, walking, roller blading along it. I went recently and was blown away by how popular it has become. I strongly recommend going early in the morning. Be sure to put slime in your tires, bring a snack and water. I love that no motorized vehicles are allowed as I'm too old for that, lol. Enjoy your ride/walk just please keep an eye out for old farts like me.
On a vacation from southern California, we rode the trail on a beautiful weekday morn in October of 2015. We parked at the north trailhead, pedaled down as far as the Botanic Garden, then headed back.
We pretty much had the trail to ourselves on a perfect fall day. The trail was flat, straight, smooth, and ideal for those looking for a fast paced workout. Being out-of-staters we were looking forward to majestic views of the mighty Rio Grande, but we were denied due to all of the trees between the river and the trail. On the bright side, at least some fall color was beginning to appear on those trees.
I think the highlights for us were admiring the grand estates that line the trail, and checking off another state on our quest to bike all fifty.
We road our mtb bikes therefore able to explore the many multi-use trails that shoot off the paved trail into Rio Grande Valley State Park. There were so many choices of paved, gravel and dirt trails. We did not have any issue with goathead spurs.
Sept 2018: Nice ride, quite flat except for underpasses. It was unexpectedly busy for a Sunday morning, but the first day the ride was great. Loved the scenery, the long straight sections and even the temperature of mid 80s was a relief for us on our two CatTrikes . We parked at Central Ave and rode north and then turned around and headed south, then back to the parking area. A nice ride to work the kinks out after sitting on a tour bus for a week. On the second day, we headed south first just to be different. We didn't make it back to Central before the goat head got me on the left front tire. At home, I normally ride some fairly rough surfaces but I don't usually worry about flat tires. I keep good rubber on all three tires and "thornproof" innertubes on my Cattrikes. Big Mistake! Goat heads are very plentiful and super tough. Ayway, after three days and three flats, we gave up. I think I will investigate airless tires. That would make the riding in that area much more enjoyable. A bit of research on the internet convinced me that the goat head problem will be a continuing problem far into the future. Perhaps a bit of warning to folks coming in from other parts of the country would be in order.
I ride on this outstanding trail every week, and am always impressed with the beautiful scenery in the middle of the city. I have seen so much wildlife (sandhill cranes, coyotes, bald eagles, night herons, and more). You can connect to several other trails and go far and wide. Highly recommended!
Lovely ride and fairly easy. Watch out for runners and other cyclists. It can get pretty busy.
We rode this trail in February on our way to Mesa Az from MN. This trail us an easy stop of off I40. We parked at the BioPark-Zoo and entered the trail next to the train depot. We headed south the trail was easy to follow though to loop back you ride along the road and cross one street. There are benches often and the trail is great. We continued north from past where we started -that part of the trail offered less shade and was more heavily travelled. On the way home we rode this trail again and it was quite busy on a Saturday. Worth the stop.
In my quest to ride every latitude from Canada to Mexico by trail only, I started at the north end of the Linear Park Trail and then joined the Paseo del Bosque Trail to where it connects to the Chavez Loop at NM Hwy 500. Chavez Loop is now a nice hard surface trail without the concern for cactus needles generating flat tires. I did not turn back north on the loop, but what I could see was great trail. The route I rode 4/27/15 was 22 miles from MLK Jr High to Hwy 303. Spring is a nice time for color given trees are leafing out with a misty yellow cast and the purple flowered Jacaranda trees are ubiquitous. I think spring is the time to ride in Albuquerque, especially for snow belt bicyclists. At least with temperatures in the 60's one doesn't need to worry about too much heat.
I have biked the entire trail many times and it does not get old. Very scenic trail. Best time to ride is in the fall when he leaves are turning color.. C
Rode the trail the end of December 2013. Flat smooth asphalt trail. Starts at BioPark and goes into the countyside with great views of woods, water canals, adobe style homes, and Rio Grande river. Saw flocks of geese in the air and in the water. Lots of riders, joggers and walkers. Convenient trail for anyone visiting Albuquerque.
My husband and I rode this trail today. We rode about 7 miles north from the Aquarium and Botanical Garden parking area, a great parking area. I was a little disappointed that we didn't have more a view of the Rio Grande but there was the water canal, and interesting back yards and properties to look at along the way. We rode on a Sunday and there was a lot of traffic on the trail: bikes, walkers, a couple of skaters, and even some horses on the dirt trail nearby.
We will definitely ride this again when we are in the area.
Rode the trail end of July, 2012. It was hot and lots of sunshine. This trail is great. We parked at the Aquarium complex and had lunch at the cafe there. It was very good. If you decide to make the loop which I think is called the Chavez loop or whatever, beware it is SINGLE TRACK and you WILL get flat tires from thorns. We were riding hybrids and should not have gotten on it. Very scenic and interesting ride. We did the whole trail out and back.
The trail from Alameda Blvd to Central was repaved last year! No more cracks! It makes rollerblading and cycling so much more enjoyable! Great place to bird watch as well!
Starting at the Aquarium trail entrance this is an excellent trail south past Tingley Park to Rio Bravo where it continues south then makes a turn east & north back to Rio Bravo Blvd and west to complete the loop. From the Aquarium north, the trail has some expansion cracks/root heaves. At the north end the Bosque Trail crosses the Rio Grande on the old Alameda Bridge. There is parking at the Trailhead off Central (Historical Route 66) at ( N35.09138 W106.67954 ) Noel Keller 20/21 May 09.
This trail is worth going out of your way for. The pavement is in mostly good condition and is popular with cyclists as well as pedestrians. While a little narrow, the trail does go under crossroads, so it provides a safe north south transit link thru Albuquerque.
"STARTED FROM THE AQUARIUM JUST OFF CENTRAL AND ROAD TO ALAMEDA BLVD NW AND BACK, 16.6 MILES. SOME CONSTRUCTION WORK AND DETOURS, SOME WIDE CRACKS IN ASPHALT FROM I-40 NORTH TO CANAL CROSSING. A WELL UTILIZED TRAIL WORTH THE RIDE. 17 MAR 2006"
"We love to haul our horses to the bosque and ride for hours. There is a lot of activity and scenery. Cranes and ducks, dogs jumping in the water, fishing, riding bikes and horses, the ground is perfect for the horses hooves. We love it so much we are moving close by."
"It doesn't get more scenic than this. Yes, it is flat, and quite busy during peak recreational times. This trail is utopian in nature and wise in spirit."
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