Tunnel Springs

## Overview Tunnel Springs is a public drinking spring located in the foothills on the northeastern edge of Albuquerque, New Mexico, near the community of Sandia Heights. Situated at an elevation of roughly 5,800 feet along Tunnel Springs Road, this spring sits in the transition zone between the high desert of the Rio Grande Valley and the rugged western slopes of the Sandia Mountains. The name "Tunnel Springs" suggests a history of water collection infrastructure — springs in this part of New Mexico were often channeled through hand-dug tunnels or horizontal wells (known locally as "minas") to capture groundwater flowing through fractured granite and limestone formations of the Sandia range. The Sandia Mountains are composed of Precambrian granite capped by Pennsylvanian-age limestone, and springs in this area typically emerge where groundwater encounters impermeable rock layers or fault lines. Water from these mountain-front springs has historically been valued by local communities and was likely used by Pueblo peoples long before European settlement. Visitors have reported that the water from Tunnel Springs is clear and pleasant-tasting, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with seasonal conditions and should be tested before regular consumption. ## Directions 1. From central Albuquerque, head north on Interstate 25. 2. Take the Tramway Boulevard exit (Exit 234) and turn east (right) toward the Sandia Mountains. 3. Follow Tramway Boulevard north approximately 3 miles. 4. Turn right (east) onto Tunnel Springs Road. 5. Continue along Tunnel Springs Road to approximately **98 Tunnel Springs Road** — the spring is located along this road. 6. GPS coordinates: **35.291349, -106.439254**. Using GPS navigation is recommended, as the area has winding residential roads in the Sandia Heights neighborhood. ## What to Expect Tunnel Springs is located in a semi-arid foothill setting with views of the Sandia Mountains to the east and the Rio Grande Valley stretching to the west. The surrounding landscape features piñon pine, juniper, and native desert scrub typical of the upper Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem. The area is residential, so visitors should be respectful of nearby properties and keep noise to a minimum. As a mountain-front spring in the high desert, flow rates may vary seasonally — expect stronger flow during spring snowmelt (March through May) and after the summer monsoon rains (July through September), with potentially reduced output during the dry months of late fall and winter. The elevation means temperatures can be significantly cooler than downtown Albuquerque, especially in the mornings and evenings. The spring is classified as a public drinking spring, and the water has historically been used as a local water source. However, visitors should be aware that natural spring water quality can fluctuate, and independent testing is always a prudent step before relying on it for drinking. Bring your own containers if you plan to collect water.