For decades, some of the historical and cultural touchstones of Albuquerque, New Mexico, have been isolated by railroad tracks and highways, largely disconnected from one another and not easily accessible by people walking and biking. The 7-mile Albuquerque Rail Trail (rtc.li/abq-rail-trail) aims to change that by looping through the heart of the city, linking key places like Old Town, the bustling Sawmill District and the popular Paseo del Bosque Trail (rtc.li/bosque-trail) that follows the route of the Rio Grande. “Using the areas alongside the tracks for trails or trolleys has been an idea that’s been bandied about for 30 or 40 years,” said Terry Brunner, chief of staff for Mayor Tim Keller and interim director of Albuquerque’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency. “In recent times, this mayor decided to actually try to pursue it.” The project, known locally as the ABQ Rail Trail, gained steam over the past three or four years. In August 2024, construction officially kicked off in Albuquerque’s Sawmill area with a groundbreaking event complete with local and state dignitaries on hand to pound in golden stakes. “We hope that more families will now be able to ride their bikes to Explora for learning and play,” said Kristin Leigh, co-executive director at the Explora experiential learning center (explora.us) in the heart of Old Town, who is looking forward to the new connectivity that the trail will bring. “We’re excited to partner on activities that celebrate science, technology, engineering, art and math for families utilizing the trail.” The trail’s design, created by world-famous architect Antoine Pred- ock, features “auras” or distinct zones that will celebrate the culture and history of the area, as well as “plazitas” that will serve as access points and gathering spots. The project will also incorporate a series of creative signs, QR codes and collages in the pavement.
New Mexico’s Albuquerque Rail Trail Albuquerque’s new rail-trail aims to improve access to the city’s historical and cultural touchstones.
By Cindy Barks
Rails to Trails MAGAZINE | FALL 2025
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