High Desert Living

The introduction most folks have to High Desert landscaping is the two Grama Grass sculptures near the development entrances at the Spain and Academy intersections with Tramway. These two sculptures are the symbols of our High Desert community. But the planners of High Desert have given us a much greater natural heritage that is spread throughout our community.

The plan for the landscaping throughout High Desert was assembled by Sites Southwest, in cooperation with High Desert Investment Corporation, the developer of the community. Much of the basic design information has been collected into a two volume document titled “Guidelines for Sustainability,” which is identified in our covenants as the guide for landscape development within the community.

In the common areas of the community, there is a wealth of examples of desert landscaping that mirrors the character of the landscape that existed in this area prior to construction of the High Desert Development

Many of us use and enjoy the trails within High Desert that traverse our community-owned open space, as well as the trails in City of Albuquerque Open Space and Cibola National Forest areas, just east of our homes. A majority of the trail users that we encounter out there seem to have a pretty good understanding of trail use and etiquette. For those who don’t, it is helpful to know that there is some general trail use etiquette that has been adopted by the City of Albuquerque for all Open Space trails. And for mountain bikers, additional details can be found in the International Mountain Biking Association’s (IMBA) Rules of the Trail. The City’s trail etiquette covers all trail users, while the IMBA Rules of the Trail underscore the importance of yielding to other trail users as well as avoiding environmental impacts.

The City’s Open Space trail etiquette is shown in its entirety here.

City of Albuquerque Trail Etiquette

Each year thousands of people enjoy Open Space trails. To ensure that all visitors enjoy their experience safely, users are urged to respect trail etiquette guidelines when sharing the trail with others.

• Be Courteous: Trails are for the enjoyment of all visitors. Please be courteous and respectful when encountering fellow trail users.
• Pack it in - Pack it out: Keep your impact to a minimum when on the trail
• Take your trash out.
• Stay on Established Trails:  Well-built trails are designed to protect the land from erosion and promote preservation. When users cut their own trails they promote degradation of the fragile landscape and wildlife habitat.
• Yield: All users must slow and stop for horses. Cyclists must also yield to hikers.
• Announce Yourself:  Let people know when you are approaching from behind and that you are passing on the left.
• Pass on the Left, Share the Trail: Keep to the right of the trail and allow faster users enough room to pass on the left Keep Dogs Leashed:Promote wildlife preservation, enhance the wilderness experience for other users, keep your pet safe and avoid hefty fines by keeping your dog properly leashed. Clean Up after Your Dog:Not only does dog excrement smell, but it also spreads disease to other dogs and pollutes groundwater. Some trailheads provide "Mutt Mitts" to clean up after pets.

City and Forest Service trails encircle the High Desert development, starting with the paved Tramway Boulevard biking/walking path on the west, the trail along Simms Park Road on the north, Forest Service Foothills Trail #365 on the east, and the network of trails in Bear Canyon Arroyo and Embudito Arroyo on the south.

For more information on these trails contract the Sandia Ranger District, 11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM 87059, Phone (505) 281-3304

High Desert is enriched by an abundant collection of walking and hiking trails that stretch from our neighborhoods all the way to the Cibola National Forest and the Sandia Mountain Wilderness area.

Most residents are familiar with  the extensive walking and hiking trail system in and immediately around the development. This trail system is a testimony to the foresight of many people, from Albuquerque’s Open Space leaders to the designers and builders of the High Desert development

Please note that within High Desert only certain areas are public. Most arroyos are part of the private residential lots that abut them. Please honor private property by keeping to the designated trails.
Also, while the streets are public, they are not intended to be parking lots for hikers leaving the area. If you cannot start from home, you must use one of the public parking areas at Michial M. Emery, Bear Canyon Trailhead or High Desert Park. The unpaved trails through the open space areas are fragile landscapes. Please keep to the trails to avoid damaging plants that can take years to repair themselves.

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a non-profit educational association whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve trail opportunities for mountain bikers worldwide.
Rules of the Trail: 

•  Ride On Open Trails Only:[Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.
• Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
•  Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.
• Always Yield Trail: Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.
• Never Scare Animals: All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.
• Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding: and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.