Subalpine summit offering panoramic views, hiking trails, and seasonal recreation accessed by scenic byway or aerial tramway through the Cibola National Forest.
General Information
Tramway operates Wednesday to Monday; closed Tuesdays
Weather may affect access and tram operations
Annual pass: $30
Tramway tickets: \$29–\$35 round trip (purchase online recommended)
How to Get There
Take NM-536 (Sandia Crest Scenic Byway) east from NM-14 or ride the Sandia Peak Tramway from the base station off Tramway Road NE in Albuquerque.
Overview
The Sandia Crest rises to 10,678 feet above sea level, crowning the Sandia Mountains with sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley, Albuquerque, and distant peaks like Mount Taylor and Wheeler Peak. Accessible via the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway or the Sandia Peak Tramway, the summit is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and photography in summer, or snowshoeing and skiing in winter. The crest area includes a visitor center, gift shop, and the TEN 3 restaurant, offering fine dining with a view at over 10,000 feet.
Part of the Cibola National Forest, Sandia Crest is rich in biodiversity and cultural significance. The area is sacred to the Sandia Pueblo and features interpretive trails like the Four Seasons Nature Trail and access to the challenging La Luz Trail. The North Crest Trail offers a ridge-top journey through alpine forests with dramatic overlooks. Whether arriving by car or tram, the crest provides a refreshing escape from the city and a chance to connect with New Mexico’s high-altitude wilderness.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Sandia Crest, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
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