Hike South Sandia Peak via Oso Ridge and Embudito Loop Cibola National Forest, NM

Threat to Our Public Land!

Recent proposals could transfer or sell off national forests, BLM land, and wilderness areas. This threatens the trails, wildlife, and access we all love. Once they're gone, we don't get them back.

The push to sell off public lands is being driven mostly by Republicans. What's frustrating is that many who vote for this party still love hiking, hunting, and exploring. If you keep voting for politicians who promise to "cut red tape" and "shrink government," don't be surprised when your favorite trailhead is fenced off and leased to a mining company.

Resources

Public Land for Sale Map
Write Your Senator
Utah is Not for Sale
About the Spending Package

Directions

Route Map

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South Sandia Peak via Oso Ridge and Embudito Loop GPX Track

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A few years ago, I got to the summit of South Sandia Peak from the east side of the mountain, and wanted to check out the west side, using the Oso Ridge Trail (unofficial) and the Embudito Trail as a loop. Starting from the Embudito Trailhead, follow the official Embudito Trail for a short time until a sign reading "Trail" points left. Keep an eye out for a series of social trails leading up the ridge on the left, away from the official trail. This should take you on the Oso Ridge Trail. Follow it all the way up to the Crest Trail, where you wrap around to the south side of South Sandia Peak and head to the summit . Follow the more popular Embudito Trail back down to make this a nice loop.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

South Sandia Peak

9782 ft

622 rise

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Starting up the Embudito Trail. The Oso Ridge Trail goes up on the left ridge in this photo.

On the Oso Ridge Trail.

South Sandia Peak visible ahead along the Oso Ridge Trail.

Candia Crest visible through the trees.

Steep section to gain the Sandia Crest ridgeline.

Join the Sandia Crest Trail - this photo is looking north toward Sandia Crest (high point of the Sandias).

South Sandia Peak on the right, following the Sandia Crest Trail.

Leave the Sandia Crest Trail on a social trail to get to the summit of South Sandia.

The social trail rejoins with the South Sandia Summit Trail - this photo is looking back along the South Sandia Summit Trail.

Approaching South Sandia Peak (Sandia Crest visible in the distance).

South Sandia Peak, looking north.

Heading back along the South Sandia Summit Trail

Joined the Embudito Trail, easy to follow all the way back.

Embudito Trail, Sandia Crest highpoint in the distance.

Embudito Trail has shrubbery up high, forested sections on the way down, and desert landscape at the end. It's a nice transition from each landscape.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!