Forest Loop

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4.8/5 (6 reviews)
Placitas, New Mexico (Sandoval County)
Last Updated: 06/18/2018

Trail Information

Highlights

Amidst breathtaking vistas, Forest Loop (FR445) lazily meanders through the northwest corner of the Sandia Mountain Wilderness. Nestled between Sandia Pueblo and the Village of Placitas, this trail winds around in juniper, cactus, sand, and sage as the ridgeline of the Sandias climbs above. At nearly any point along the trail, one can see for many miles across the Albuquerque Basin and Rio Grande Valley. The region's surrounding mountain ranges, dormant volcanoes, ancient lava flows and mesas are all visible in the distance. A prominent hiking trail off of Forest Loop, Piedra Lisa, provides access to Waterfall Canyon and linked trails leading all the way to the 10,678-foot Sandia Peak. Whether you want to load up your bike, day pack, picnic basket or just take a pleasant drive through the foothills, Forest Loop is a great destination.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (6)
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400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 12/21/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Nice trail with lovely views. It has some roundhounding opportunities. There were a lot of mountain bikers, so be careful.
Trail Review: Forest Loop - Brian
Trail Review: Forest Loop - Brian
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Rated 4/5
Visited: 06/08/2021

Very easy trail with spectacular views of the Rio Grande Valley. Dirt road with a few minor washed out passes. Not meant for passenger cars but trucks will be fine.
Open
Visited: 12/15/2020

My first time and it was very easy. Roads are good to go. Be careful, I saw a pedestrian on the driving trail.
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/27/2020

Fun, easy, and scenic!
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500
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/09/2018

Nice, quick meandering loop road. The views across the basin are incredible, as well as the view of the mountains. A couple lightly rutted areas from the recent rainfall, but overall a smooth drive.
Trail Review: Forest Loop - Chad
Trail Review: Forest Loop - Chad

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