Hike Display Page

Three Gun Spring Short Hike
In Sandia Mountain South Region


Map File Source: Garmin BaseCamp

 map Hike Key: H10760
Last Updated: 02/16/2026 8:02pm
Last Updated By: Marilyn Warrant
Hike Class: C (Challenging)
Hike Distance: 3.4 mi
Minimum Elevation: 6325 ft
Elevation Change: 980 ft
Total Uphill: 1020 ft
Total Downhill: 1020 ft
Avg. Grade: 11 %
Route Type: InOut
On Trail: Yes
Paved or Gravel Roads: Yes
GPS Advised: No
Hiker Limit (NF/BLM/NP): 15 (Sandia Wilderness)
Drive Distance Round Trip: 35 mi
Drive Time One-Way: 0:30
Hiking Seasons: Spring, Fall, and Winter
New Mexico Game Unit: 8
Hike Status: In Process
Attractions: Views, Water Features, and Wildflowers

Highlights

Wonderful selection of flowers in season. Visit to a spring.

Cautions

None.

Trailhead Directions

I-40 east to Carnuel exit 170, which is the first exit past Tramway, onto old Rte 66, now SR 333. East 1.5 miles to Monticello Drive on left, Whittier is on right. Follow Monticello Drive thru Monticello subdivision, then left on Allegre to the end, then north on Siempre Verde, bearing right on Tres Pistolas, and dead-ending in a cul-de-sac parking area at the mouth of the arroyo and PARK (0.0 mi).

Actual Hike

The hike is steadily uphill on the way up (and steadily downhill on the way down). Shortly after leaving the parking area, take the left option at GOWEST (0.0 mi). Pass the intersection with the HAWKWATCH (0.5 mi) trail. (This is also the wilderness boundary.) At TOSPRING, take a right and make your way over to 3GUNSPRING.

Comments

This is a wonderful hike in the spring for flowers.

Waypoints

Access:
MONTICELLO: N 35 03.933, W 106 26.495
Hike:
PARK: N 35 04.577, W 106 26.648
GOWEST: N 35 04.617, W 106 26.652
HAWKWATCH: N 35 04.960, W 106 26.614
TOSPRING: N 35 05.805, W 106 26.427
3GUNSPRING: N 35 05.905, W 106 26.370

Map Filename: ThreeGunSpringShortWayTrack_MW
Hike GPS File Name: ThreeGunSpringShortWayTrack_MW
Hike GPS File: Click link to download hike waytrack file

Text Author: Marilyn Warrant
Map Author: Marilyn Warrant
Waypoints Author: Bill Gloyd
Track Author: Marilyn Warrant
Maintainer: Not Assigned
Editor: