🐾 How I Hiked the Embudito Canyon Loop

Описание: Welcome back to the trail, friends! Today, Tucker and I are taking on a 4-mile loop in Embudito Canyon Loop, follow along as I show you the best route. Wanna watch more day hikes? 👉    • New Mexico Day Hikes  

Tucked into the rugged foothills of the Sandia Mountains here in Albuquerque, NM. If you’re looking for a canyon hike with character, challenge, and killer views, this one is absolutely worth putting on your list. I’m using the AllTrails app to stay on course—something I always recommend, especially on routes with unmarked sections like this.

ChaCha and I love being outdoors, and whenever we hit a trail, I try to share the experience exactly as it feels in the moment—honest, real, and hopefully helpful for your own adventures. Whether you’re a day-hiker, a backpacker, or someone curious about ultralight gear, I hope these videos help you find new places to explore and give you confidence to get outside.

🌄 Trail Details & What to Expect
We hiked this loop on November 15, 2025, which is a fantastic time of year to explore Embudito—cool temps, quieter trails, and just enough shade to keep things comfortable. Right from the start, the canyon throws a few challenges your way: a steep climb, sections of narrow rocky terrain, dense brush, and some areas where the path simply isn’t marked. But that’s part of the fun. The payoff comes fast—shaded pockets, unique rock formations, and if the season has been wet, you might even catch a bit of water flowing in the arroyo.

🌵 Pro Tip for Hiking This Loop
If you’re planning to hike this trail, I highly recommend starting in the canyon, looping around the backside, and descending the main trail. This makes the climb more manageable and gives you absolutely incredible views on the way down.
And seriously—use AllTrails for navigation. The 2-mile turn isn’t marked at all, and it’s easy to blow right past it.

🐶 Hiking with Tucker
Tucker had an absolute blast! This is a dog-friendly route, but dogs need to be on leash and be ready for loose rock, a bit of scrambling, and some tight spots. He handled it like a champ, but every dog is different—use your judgment and keep your pups safe out there. Make sure you bring water for your dog because water will not usually be seen on the trail.

🌿 Trail Vibe
The Embudito loop feels wild in all the best ways. Expect rugged foothill climbs, stretches of classic Sandia granite, unmarked sections that make you feel like you’re truly exploring, and wide-open views toward Albuquerque once you gain some elevation. It’s the kind of hike that keeps you engaged and rewards you again and again.

⚠️ Trail Tips

Wear sturdy shoes—there’s plenty of loose rock.

Bring plenty of water (even in the cooler months).

Trekking poles help a ton on the descent.

Use AllTrails to stay on track, especially near that unmarked 2-mile turn.

📏 Trail Stats

Distance: 4 miles

Elevation Gain: ~1,204 ft

Route: Loop

Difficulty: Moderate and super rewarding

🎥 See the Loop Before You Go!
If you want a full look at this loop, my hiking style, the gear I use, and what the trail actually feels like, follow me on YouTube and search “Pops and ChaCha’s Adventures.” My goal is to share these trails with you in a genuine, honest and upbeat way—helping you plan your next hike or backpacking trip and maybe inspiring you to get outside a little more often.