A Lush Escape to Carlito Springs

Due to a combination of prior commitments and uncooperative weather, I haven't been able to get out and do much hiking or climbing in the last couple of weeks. I've decided to keep posting, though!
Today's post is one of the most unique and beautiful areas nearby, Carlito Springs.
Carlito Springs is a one of a kind area in the southern part of the Sandia Mountains, located in Tijeras Canyon right off of I-40. It has a similar character to the nearby canyons and trails, but (with it's cabins and healthy springs) is so very unique at the same time; it is a true oasis in this lower-elevation desert.

General character of the bottom portion of the trail

To get to Carlito Springs, I'll give the Rt. 66 directions from Albuquerque. Get to Tramway and Central, heading east on Central which turns into Route 66 at this point. Drive a few miles, pass the community of Carnuel, and then take the first left onto Carlito Springs Rd. Take a right and go through the gate on your left with the Open Space signs.
Carlito Springs is an Open Space area, owned by Bernalillo County since the year 2000, though it has only been open for visitors once or twice a year through most of its time as an open space area. It finally just opened up for general public use in August of 2014.

The stream flowing beneath the first bridge (not pictured)

When you start the trail, you'll initially reach a T in the trail, the left option being the shorter to reach the main attraction. From here it is, I'm guessing here, roughly a 3/4 mile hike to reach the cabins/springs. The trail is VERY well maintained, and passes a couple bridges along its length to the springs, staying near to the stream that is a result of the springs above.

It's even green in the water here, unlike most Sandia streams

 

Lovely views offered on this trail

There are a few steep sections, though they are very moderate and even have steps at some points, making this a trail doable for any hiker, and also popular. The sound of the stream is so soothing, when it is flowing heavy enough, and also quiet enough.
After you pass the second bridge, the trail levels out for a moment, passing BEAUTIFUL and sometimes colorful trees. At this point you're very near the orchard (started over 100 years ago) that is fed by the springs. This is definitely best in spring time when the flowering trees are blooming, presenting you with a multitude of colorful flowers and interested insects.

A lush, ivy-covered tree

 After one more semi-steep ascent up terraced property, you reach abandoned cabins, and the bright green and peaceful oasis that is Carlito Springs. There is a very large tree covered in ivy above the first pool, presenting a unique beauty definitely not found anywhere else on this mountain.
The springs flow down into this first pool below the tree, and then down into three more large pools below which have stairs to access each one.

The first pool below the tree

The second pool, the first down the set of stairs

The water flows so wonderfully and heavily through here (at least by Sandia standards), one could easily just sit nearby and get lost in the sounds. There are a wide variety of other plants found nearby as well, especially in spring, that bloom into such vivid colors!

Third pool

There are travertine formations above the springs (which is where they come out of) and in each of the pools all the way down, which are brought to life by the algae that has formed on them over the years.

Cabins, the reminders of its history as a resort in the late 1800s

The cabins above the springs are beautiful, adding to the serenity of the destination as opposed to taking away from it like most human structures do. These cabins once stood as part of a resort in the late 1800s, before maintaining a short life as a sanitorium in the early 1900s. You can walk up to all the structures, even accessing the balconies, though entering any of the structures is strictly prohibited.

Balcony views from one of the cabins

You may continue past the cabins and follow the trail back around (I don't know how far, at least 1-1.5 miles) to the parking lot for a nice loop hike, though it is quicker and more shaded to follow the route you came up. For those who simply enjoy hiking, though, I would recommend at least once to take the loop around, basking in the juniper forest and splendid views of the Manzanita Mountains to the south.

View of the Manzanitas from just past the easternmost cabin

Travertine cliffs above the springs

All of these pictures I've posted where taken in February, so the trail and springs are even more lush and green now. I'd definitely recommend anyone with an afternoon or morning to head out and experience the hike for yourselves.
This is a true gem in the Sandias. It is easily my favorite open space area, and it has even earned the title of "favorite place in the Sandias" by some. It's easy access and short hiking distance has already made it a popular destination in the Albuquerque area, so expect a lot of people on the weekends. Strangely, even with the crowds that can exist, it does not take away the tranquility that is Carlito Springs.