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Located within the River’s Edge III neighborhood of Rio Rancho, Willow Creek Trailhead and Open Space offers residents and visitors access to one of New Mexico’s most valued ecological areas, the cottonwood forest along the Rio Grande. Spanning 3.1 acres, this small but significant open space connects directly to the Bosque Trail, giving people the opportunity to walk, observe wildlife, and enjoy views of the Sandia Mountains, all without leaving the city.
The Bosque Trail loop accessible from Willow Creek is just over two miles long, or about 5,200 steps. The trail winds through a portion of the cottonwood forest, offering natural shade, a variety of textures underfoot, and frequent openings where you can see the Rio Grande or spot the mountain range in the distance. It’s a popular trail for walking and light jogging, especially in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is more active.
One of the highlights of this open space is the consistent view of the Sandia Mountains. Whether you’re walking north, south, or looping around toward the river, the mountains serve as a dramatic backdrop. In the early hours, their pinkish glow is often visible before the sun rises fully. Later in the day, they provide a sense of direction and scale as you move through the cottonwoods and along the Rio Grande.
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Residents of the Alegria at Del Webb 55+ community have a unique advantage when it comes to exploring Willow Creek. One of the community’s internal access gates leads directly to the trailhead, allowing residents to walk out their front door and step straight onto the Bosque Trail. This feature encourages regular outdoor activity and makes it easy to enjoy the peaceful setting without having to travel by car.
The cottonwood forest is home to a variety of bird species. Black-chinned Hummingbirds, Canada Geese, Western Screech Owls, and Great Horned Owls are among the birds commonly seen or heard in the area. The quiet atmosphere of the Willow Creek Trailhead makes it a good place to watch for movement in the branches or listen for bird calls. Binoculars and patience can turn a simple walk into an interesting wildlife experience.
While the Bosque Trail system accommodates many types of users, equestrian access is not permitted at the Willow Creek Trailhead. Riders looking to enter the Bosque with their horses must use designated access points such as the North Shore area on Riverside Drive or the Corrales Road Ditch and Barrancas Arroyo entrance. This restriction helps maintain the trail’s condition and supports its use by walkers, joggers, and bird watchers.
The Willow Creek Trailhead and Open Space offers a way to step into nature without traveling far. It connects people to the larger Bosque ecosystem and the Rio Grande, while offering exercise, wildlife encounters, and scenic views. Whether you live nearby or are visiting the area, this trailhead provides a quiet, convenient way to experience the natural beauty of central New Mexico.
While the Bosque Trail system accommodates many types of users, equestrian access is not permitted at the Willow Creek Trailhead. Riders looking to enter the Bosque with their horses must use designated access points such as the North Shore area on Riverside Drive or the Corrales Road Ditch and Barrancas Arroyo entrance. This restriction helps maintain the trail’s condition and supports its use by walkers, joggers, and bird watchers.
The Willow Creek Trailhead and Open Space offers a way to step into nature without traveling far. It connects people to the larger Bosque ecosystem and the Rio Grande, while offering exercise, wildlife encounters, and scenic views. Whether you live nearby or are visiting the area, this trailhead provides a quiet, convenient way to experience the natural beauty of central New Mexico.
Sunday – Saturday:
6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Willow Creek Trailhead and Open Space is located off Highway 528, just east on Willow Creek Road in Rio Rancho’s River’s Edge III neighborhood. The entrance sits near the edge of the cottonwood forest along the Rio Grande.
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