Carlito Springs

Great place to hike. We walk our dogs up for exercise from our house. Place is extraordinary. I can’t imagine what it was like to live up there. The views and springs are unique beyond belief.

A very nice simple hike for a day when you want to get some fresh air and exercise.
The parking lot we arrived at from directions from the GPS was small. I don’t know if there are any other parking lots but if not, you have to almost get lucky to find a spot. We did not see many people during our time here and other reviews sound like it is still a lesser known spot so it might not be too bad.
If you are looking for the springs in the photos on Google when you search «Carlito Springs» it is to the left when you arrive at the fork from the parking lot. We got lucky with our rock, paper, scissor to go left.
When you reach the cabins that have been bolted shut is when you have arrived at the springs. Continue walking straight, right of the cabins, and you will see the spring when you peek down between the trees.
The water really is crystal clear! There is moss on the rocks in the water and little water bugs floating at the top but other than that, it was very nice. There was also a pool net that you can use to clear the water from debris yourself.
There is also another little spring right below the main one but I felt that one had more moss making me not want to put my feet in there.
It is a very good place to come and relax. The only bugs I really saw besides the ones floating in the water are dragon flies.

This is a somewhat new addition to public hiking trails in the Sandia’s.
Carlito Springs is a quick jaunt on I40 East to Tijeras. The parking is limited but free and the trail is a quick, steep 1 – 1.5 mile hike up.
Along the way, the trail winds through a small spring and crosses a couple scenic bridges. The entire trail is picturesque so you don’t feel the incline.
Once at the end, you enter an oasis. The property has a few old buildings that include a residence, a few camping cabins, and really old sheds. The buildings are all boarded up, so don’t expect to enter them. There is a huge garden to sit in and take in the beauty of the site.
The best part? The spring! It winds through the entire site and fills two small ponds that are so crystal clear they sparkle. I am sure you could take a dip in them, but they were so beautiful none of us wanted to disturb the water. We did sit and put our feet in. It was lovely. And cold:) Both the pools are breathtaking with mountain views abound.
Having a teen and a nine year-​old, it is difficult to choose an activity that entertains them both. This hike definitely did it. The terrain kept the teen challenged and the spring kept the little guy quipping about the water the entire way up. There were even apple trees on the trail.
Go! You won’t regret it.
When you go, take your trash when you leave. Because no one likes a dirty mountain.