100 rides in 100 days: Day 3

For Day 3, I drove to the Golden Open Space, part of Albuquerque's remarkable system of open space preserves. This trailhead is past mile 9 on La Madera Rd, which is just past the turn off for the Sandia ski area off on North 14 in Cedar Crest. I had never visited this site before. I will be coming back.

Here is a trail description.

 

It will seem like a long drive on La Madera road but it is worth it. They are busy constructing trails in this scenic location. The existing trails are not long, but will be expanded soon.

Some of these trails are reminiscent of Sedona, Arizona's red rock country.

The views are excellent, with the Sandias to the West (pictured), the Ortiz mountains to the Northeast, and Sangre de Cristos in the distance.