Los Poblanos Open Space

Freestyle Run

Distance: Runner’s Choice
Surface: Farm and ditch roads and trails

Freestyle running is running for the love and enjoyment of it.  It is the kind of run where you have no defined route or goal.  Let whim carry you like a leaf floating in the breeze.

“What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.”

– Blackfoot

The Los  Poblanos Open Space is located within the boundaries of both Albuquerque and Los Ranchos De Albuquerque.  Take Montaño Rd. west from the I-25 past 4th Street and turn north on Tierra Viva Place.  The parking lot entrance is 100 feet from Montaño on the west side Tierra Viva Place.

If you are coming from the west side of Albuquerque, take Montaño Rd across the Rio Grande.  Look for the left turn lane not far after passing under the  Rio Grande Blvd. bridge.

Gazebo and Tree

In the clearing is a gazebo, a big tree, logs and a sculpture.  It has the ambiance of unfinished work.

Field Art

I know not the artists intention, but the white pole structure is similar to corn shocks, which would be apropos given corn is grown here.

 

Connector Road

This particular farm road runs east and bears north at the treeline continuing until it reaches the Gallegos Lateral Ditch.

Long Stretch

The longest stretch of farm road runs 0.6 miles along the western border of the Los Poblanos Open Space.

The Horse

Locals have decorated the horse, but its majesty is untouched.  There is just something about this sculpture that makes it real.  Maybe it is how it looks out over the fields like a wanderer passing by.

Route Description

The Los  Poblanos Open Space is located within the boundaries of both Albuquerque and Los Ranchos De Albuquerque.

The Los Poblanos Open Space is a working farm growing organic corn and other crops.  It is also the home of The Rio Grande Community Garden, where for a small fee one can be assigned a plot of land to grow your own food.

The crop roads are suitable for running and the pastoral ambiance of the fields makes for an “easy peaceful feeling”.  The farm roads along with the Gallegos Lateral Ditch road provide enough extra distance that you can run 4-5 miles with some sections.