The 300-acre Gutierrez Canyon property was purchased by the City of Albuquerque in 1963, making it one of the first pieces of land the City set aside for the preservation of nature. In 2008, the City purchased a 420-acre property contiguous to Gutierrez Canyon now known as the “John A. Milne Open Space.” This addition creates a total of 720 acres of protected Major Public Open Space stretching from Highway 14, east to Gutierrez Canyon Road.

Elevations here range from 6,100′ to 7,600′. Steep-sided, rocky canyons containing usually dry stream beds characterize this property. Pinon-juniper forests dominate this site, but there are also scenic stands of ponderosa pine. Deer, bears, and mountain lions are frequent visitors to this area. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the East Mountains from various vantage points in the John A. Milne Open Space.

A formal parking area off of NM-14 is available near the Cedar Crest Post Office. The parking area includes space for horse trailers.

While a series of informal trails exist on the property available for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, the Open Space Division is currently working to formalize a sustainable trail system. Many of the existing informal trails lead to private property. Please respect all private property.

Access to the John A. Milne Open Space is off of NM-14, south of the Cedar Crest post office. Access and parking to Gutierrez Canyon are through a residential neighborhood. Please respect our neighbors. Call the Open Space Division for directions.