Paseo del Bosque Trail, which translates from Spanish to “forest walk,” is undeniably one of my favorite places in my hometown, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The bosque is a unique environment that consists of the floodplains and riparian woods along a river, in this case, the Rio Grande. Existing in the middle of a mountainous, dusty desert, the bosque is a lush oasis of life and green amidst the dry expanse. 

Because the forests abuts the river; providing a perfect place for shelter, water, and food; a variety of wildlife flocks to this area. You may catch a glimpse of porcupine, coyote, or beaver while walking along the bosque. All manner of birds enjoy the bosque, with ducks, hawks, kestrels, the beloved state bird (the roadrunner), and many wading birds such as egrets, cranes, and herons.

The forests of the bosque are stunning in their diversity, but the easily spotted cottonwood trees densely pack this river forest. Along the middle Rio Grande valley, these gorgeous trees are known as “The Matriarch of the Bosque, as the life-sustaining force that provides habitat and essential shade canopy for the aforementioned animals of the area. While the cottonwood trees are the base of this ecosystem, you will also find many other shrubs and flowering plants, such as globemallow, tree of heaven, milkweed, and Virginia creeper.

Inside Albuquerque city limits, the best way to experience the beauty of the bosque is the Paseo del Bosque Trail, a 16 mile multi-use trail that spans the length of the Rio Grande that runs through the city. Horses, bikes, leashed dogs and pedestrians are all welcome on this trail. If you find yourself  traveling through New Mexico, you won’t regret a visit to our beloved bosque, a green gem of the natural world preserved in the middle of a city.
![20180904_191545.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmbSgoE35jCtvJP1LCvR3SWVaunVWPE91nsgd5djx1pYWy/20180904_191545.jpg)
For more about the amazing Rio Grande Cottonwoods that dominate this area, check out my post [here](https://steemit.com/nature/@pinkspectre/the-matriarch-of-the-bosque-rio-grande-cottonwoods).