Grand Enchantment Trail — Segment 38 landscape

Photo: Photo by Raychel Sanner on Unsplash

Grand Enchantment Trail — Segment 38

~2 days · 15.9 mi · moderate · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance15.9 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain4,682 ft
Gain / mile294 ft
High point10,226 ft

What the Grand Enchantment Trail — Segment 38 is known for

Segment 38 of the Grand Enchantment Trail climbs through the Sandia Mountain Wilderness outside Albuquerque, from the Tijeras/I-40 area to the crest near the Sandia Peak Tramway. Approximately 15 miles point-to-point with a sustained climb from desert foothills into conifer forest. Strenuous, typically 1-2 days.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Grand Enchantment Trail — Segment 38 on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 21,549 ft to 33,281 ft over 15.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 10.1 mi · 65%
  • Downhill 5.1 mi · 33%
  • Flat 0.4 mi · 3%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Grand Enchantment Trail — Segment 38 take?

Most backpackers hike the Grand Enchantment Trail — Segment 38 in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 15.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Grand Enchantment Trail — Segment 38?

The Grand Enchantment Trail — Segment 38 climbs roughly 4,682 ft total — about 294 ft per mile, topping out near 10,226 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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