· Local
· 130
Strenuous
South Crest Trail
📏
31.1 km
Distance
⏱
7h 44min
Est. duration
⛰
Strenuous
Difficulty
➡
Linear
Route type
South Crest Trail is a 31.1 km Local Hiking hiking route.
Covering 31.1 km, this demanding trail is best tackled by experienced walkers in good condition. Budget roughly 6 hours and 54 minutes or consider splitting it across two days.
This linear trail moves from one end to the other without looping back. A return journey by transport — or retracing the path — is needed to get back to the start. The trail is officially waymarked as 130, so look out for the trail markers along the way.
This is a Local Walking Network (LWN) trail — a community-level route perfect for exploring the immediate surroundings, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Elevation Profile
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Elevation data from SRTM via OpenTopoData (open dataset).
Map
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Waypoints
5 points along the routeA
Start
· Sandia Crest Parking Lot
B
Finish
· Canyon Estates Trailhead
Photos
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the South Crest Trail hiking route?
South Crest Trail is 31.1 km long.
How much time should I allow for South Crest Trail?
Most walkers allow around 7h 44min for South Crest Trail at a comfortable pace.
Is South Crest Trail a circular or linear route?
South Crest Trail is a linear route, not a loop. It runs from Sandia Crest Parking Lot to Canyon Estates Trailhead. Return transport from the finish point is recommended.
Where does South Crest Trail start?
South Crest Trail starts at Sandia Crest Parking Lot.
Is South Crest Trail suitable for beginners?
South Crest Trail is best suited to experienced, fit hikers. It is not suitable for beginners.
Who maintains the South Crest Trail trail?
South Crest Trail is maintained and managed by United States Forest Service.