Placitas Stripmine Loop

Dogs Leashed

This loop is a great tour of the Placitas trail system. The trails are well-marked, and the ups and downs on the loop make for a fun run.

Heavy mountain bike use, with lots of blind turns, so earbuds are not recommended. Also, plenty of non-fee parking available.

Heavy network of trails. Not always clear or marked where to go. Track the run using the Trail Run Project mobile app, or another, to make sure you are staying on course.

Lots of loose rocks on the western trails.

Beginning at the trailhead and kiosk for Strip Mine #51, head west to Mustang Alley #60 and take this to Bootleg #54. From there, head south to Bobsled #52 and then north on Sidewinder #61 until High Voltage #59. Take High Voltage to Strip Mine, then head west back toward the trailhead.

Overall, this is an up and down loop of singletrack utilizing the USFS Placitas Area Trail System. The area is extremely well-signed and offers expansive views of the Sandia Mountains and even Cabezon, from the top of the High Voltage Trail. Nearly all of the loop is well worn singletrack, and the beginning and ending location has ample parking and trail information. This is a real gem and gives Albuquerque runners a real change of pace.