East Mountain

John A Milne/Gutierrez Canyon

WHY IT'S OUTSTANDING:

The John A. Milne/Gutierrez Canyon Open Space provides 720 acres of pinon-juniper forest, stretching from Highway 14 to Gutierrez Canyon Road. The western portion of the property is defined by the San Antonito Arroya and a set of steep, forested hills, capped with sandstone outcrops. The eastern portion is characterized by steep-sided sandstone canyons.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Take I-40 to Highway 14 (Exit 175). Head north on 14 for about 6.75 miles to the village of Cedar Crest. Look for the parking area on the east side of the road, just south of the Post Office.

Ponderosa Trail at Juan Tomas

WHY IT'S OUTSTANDING:

The Juan Tomas Open Space is a 1,295-acre preserve of mixed conifer woodland. The Ponderosa Trail is a 3.75-mile loop through grass and wildflower meadows, surrounded by a forest dominated by pinon, juniper, and ponderosa trees. Openings through the forest provide scenic vistas of the east side of the Sandia Mountains.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Take I-40 and exit at Highway 337 (known locally as “South 14”, Exit 175). Take 337 south about 9 miles to Oak Flat Road, turn east and go about 2.25 miles until you reach an Open Space sign and gate on the left side.