Grand Enchantment Trail — Segment 38
~2 days · 15.9 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
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.
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.
How hard is the Grand Enchantment Trail — Segment 38?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Grand Enchantment Trail — Segment 38 scores 25/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
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 from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — 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.