Juan Tabo Hills Park

Breathtaking Vistas

Tucked into the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, Juan Tabo Hills Park spans 9 acres of Albuquerque terrain that beautifully blends the wild with the well-designed. The park design incorporates the rolling hills and keeps the native plants intact. This approach to preserving the ecosystem creates an immersive experience where you feel connected to New Mexico's natural landscape.

Playground That Thinks Outside the Box

The playground here isn't your standard swings-and-slides setup. Instead, it's thoughtfully arranged in terraced nodes built right into the hillside. This design encourages kids to explore while staying connected to nature.

Equipment-wise, you'll discover all the favorites: climbers, swings, spinners, slides, and activity panels. But what makes this playground special are touches like petrified wood climbers and stone steps that let children interact with different natural textures. There are sections tailored for different age groups, with specific equipment designed for the 5-12 crowd.

Epic Hillside Slides

The absolute showstoppers of Juan Tabo Hills Park are the two giant hillside slides built directly into the natural terrain. These impressive 50-foot behemoths connect the upper and lower park sections - one's an open-air adventure while the other offers a covered tunnel experience.

Getting to the top requires climbing about 90 steps, making the journey part of the fun. Just note that these thrilling slides are designed for children between 5-12 years old.

Places to Gather

The park offers several spots perfect for hanging out with friends and family. There's a central plaza in the lower section with a shade structure and tables that works well for small get-togethers.

In the middle of the play area, a large shade-sail structure creates a comfortable retreat from the New Mexico sun. Around the park, you can find picnic tables with shade covers in both the upper and lower sections.

What Else You'll Find

A 6-foot wide asphalt walking/jogging path circles the perimeter for those looking to get some steps in. The park's design is desert-smart, with limited turf grass and plenty of native plants that attract pollinators and wildlife.

Head to the upper area for some seriously impressive views of the surrounding landscape and mountains. Benches are strategically placed so you can sit and soak in the scenery. Kids will love the sand play area with hidden dinosaur bones waiting to be discovered.

Important to know: there are no public restrooms here. Dogs are welcome but need to stay leashed. While the park is generally well-maintained, it can get pretty toasty during summer months, so plan accordingly.

Parking & More

There's a parking lot, however it can fill up during peak times. If you're in the mood for more outdoor time, Four Hills Park is just a short walk away.

Looking Ahead

The park's first phase was completed in 2020, but there's more to come. Future plans include additional trails leading to a small plaza atop the ridge, connections to other trails and open spaces, and possibly a dog park for our four-legged friends.