Sandia Mountains
Sandia Mountains
5
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The Sandia Mountains tower 5,000 feet over the flood plains of the Rio Grande, making a 37,000 acre wilderness area a short drive from Albuquerque.
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5.0
46 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
6
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Donald Salt
Albuquerque, NM37 contributions
June 2018
I live in Albuquerque, so I go to the mountain a lot! Its definitely the best view of the city you can get at over 10,000 feet. Driving up the back side will take about an hour from the city, or a 20 min tram ride will get you to the peak. Both ways are amazing, so take your pick and enjoy the ride.
Written 31 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelbuff49
HOUSTON52 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
Small 15 party wedding at the foothills of the Sandia Mountains.
Spectacular rock formation in the location chosen for the wedding. Hiking to the site was breathtaking. Clear skies, lovely weather.
Spectacular rock formation in the location chosen for the wedding. Hiking to the site was breathtaking. Clear skies, lovely weather.
Written 14 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vlo65
Phoenix, AZ22 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
This was truly an amazing experience for my husband and I. We took the leisurely drive to the top of the mountain so we could take pictures along the way and it was a great drive. When we got to the top to the gift shop and went outside to the overlook, there were hummingbird feeders set up all along the balcony and the hummingbirds came even when my husband and I both put our fingers on where the hummingbirds would land to take a drink. They actually landed on our fingers and had no problems perching there while they drank. What a neat experience.
Written 16 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheTurquoiseTable
Albuquerque, NM49 contributions
May 2012 • Family
Usually this time of the year, we set aside time for vacation away from home. This year we decided to stay put and take short excursions around ABQ. Enjoying the outdoors is one of our favorite things to do, especially hiking. It's a great family activity to do, and even more so if you have a dog. We are fortunate to have over 25 trails so close to us in the Sandia Mountains. Instead of doing the La Luz Trail on the west side of the Sandias, we chose the greener east side for our recent hike.
My husband decided on the Cienega Trail because he wanted to see if this was the trail he used to hike as a child with his family; "there were wild strawberries along the trail." This trail is located about 1.7 miles from the entrance of the Cibola National Forest at the intersection of NM 14 (The Turquoise Trail) and Highway 536 (road up to Sandia Peak Ski).
The east side of the mountain is greener because it receives more precipitation. It contrasts sharply with the sandy/rocky terrain of low brush and cactus on the west side. There are tall trees and grass, wildflowers, and water in the brooks at this of the year- it's refreshing. Our hike began at 10 am. The weather was perfect- blue skies, no wildfire smoke, the temperature in the 70s, and a little breezy. In my opinion, this time of the year and September/October are prime times for outdoor activity. This trail is rated as difficult (moderate by some), and at the time, I did not know it. While I was hiking up, every time I stopped to catch my breath I kept thinking to myself, "I am so out of shape, I need to work out more!" It took us about 2 hours to climb up 2000 feet in elevation to the top.
We were well rewarded with a spectacular view of the city. It was a clear view for about 80 miles in three directions. With binoculars, we were able to locate our home down below. After resting for a while, we decided to head back down the same trail in order to make it back into town for another event. Otherwise, we could have taken the Crest Trail and down the Oso Corredor Trail back to our car for a longer hike. The entire hike took about 3.5 hours for a total of about 4.25 miles and we encounter a total of 7 people and 1 dog.
While we did see wild strawberry plants along the trail, my husband is still not sure if this was the trail of his childhood days. No matter, it was a morning well spent and I got a good workout!
Tip: Go to this link for more info about hiking trails in the Sandias http://www.sandiahiking.com/trailguide.html
My husband decided on the Cienega Trail because he wanted to see if this was the trail he used to hike as a child with his family; "there were wild strawberries along the trail." This trail is located about 1.7 miles from the entrance of the Cibola National Forest at the intersection of NM 14 (The Turquoise Trail) and Highway 536 (road up to Sandia Peak Ski).
The east side of the mountain is greener because it receives more precipitation. It contrasts sharply with the sandy/rocky terrain of low brush and cactus on the west side. There are tall trees and grass, wildflowers, and water in the brooks at this of the year- it's refreshing. Our hike began at 10 am. The weather was perfect- blue skies, no wildfire smoke, the temperature in the 70s, and a little breezy. In my opinion, this time of the year and September/October are prime times for outdoor activity. This trail is rated as difficult (moderate by some), and at the time, I did not know it. While I was hiking up, every time I stopped to catch my breath I kept thinking to myself, "I am so out of shape, I need to work out more!" It took us about 2 hours to climb up 2000 feet in elevation to the top.
We were well rewarded with a spectacular view of the city. It was a clear view for about 80 miles in three directions. With binoculars, we were able to locate our home down below. After resting for a while, we decided to head back down the same trail in order to make it back into town for another event. Otherwise, we could have taken the Crest Trail and down the Oso Corredor Trail back to our car for a longer hike. The entire hike took about 3.5 hours for a total of about 4.25 miles and we encounter a total of 7 people and 1 dog.
While we did see wild strawberry plants along the trail, my husband is still not sure if this was the trail of his childhood days. No matter, it was a morning well spent and I got a good workout!
Tip: Go to this link for more info about hiking trails in the Sandias http://www.sandiahiking.com/trailguide.html
Written 28 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mommytwofour
Davenport, IA167 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
This is a must see for all. The views are spectacular. By tram it’s about a 29 min ride to the top but they close the tram for two weeks in the spring and fall for maintenance so make sure to check the website. Otherwise it’s about an hour drive to the top. There is a gift shop and restaurant at the top there hours very depending on season and if the tram is running. I believe that the tram cost about 20$ pp. There are several trails to hike and explore the mountain. If you drive up, there are several picnic locations to stop and hike at along the way. It’s about 10-15 degrees cooler at the top so I would recommend a jacket or sweatshirt. Parking is 3$ per car if driving up, but this is on the honour system since they don’t have anyone actually taking cash you just place it in an envelope and place the parking pass in your car window. The views are beautiful you can see all of Albuquerque and beyond. Elevation I believe is 12,000 feet which literally takes your breath away as you walk up and around the trails.
Written 10 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S Ward
Albany, NY138 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Listen to recommendations and wait a day or two before visiting the 10,80 ft elevation peak. We visited the first day and it took me about 20 min of getting used to the air, the elevation and for my heartbeat to slow down. Views are stunning.
Written 4 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
janice45
Boston, MA132 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
We were on the Turquoise Trail from Santa Fe to Albuquerque having made stops in Cerillos, Madrid and at the Tinkertown Museum. It was later afternoon and we decided that we wanted to do one more spot before driving back. "Let's drive to the top of Sandia Peak" was the of opinion of all passengers in the car. It is out of the way, fourteen miles up and fourteen miles down. However, the view of Albuquerque beneath us and the vistas surrounding us were well worth the trip and time taken. It wasn't even a typically New Mexico cloudless sky but we could see Santa Fe sixty miles away and Taos 100 miles in the distance. There are hiking trails at the top. At 10,678 feet above sea level, we opted for a modest 1 and 1/2 mile, fairly level, walk around the top. Do yourselves a favor and take tis stop during your travels.
Written 1 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hagrid59
Sheffield, UK127 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
If you follow the Turquoise trail one of the first stops outside Albuquerque is Sandia Park. After a disappointing drive to the Sandia peak tramway (which presented a very long queue and an even longer wait), we were not expecting anything quite so good. But, the Sandia Mountains have a working ski lift in summer months. And guess what, if you don't mind sitting on a chair rather than being insid a tram, the end result is the same. We got to the peak and enjoyed the Same views for half the price at $10 each. A lovely sedate ride up and well worth the money.
Written 11 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PrsTrainer
Albuquerque, NM163 contributions
June 2014 • Friends
Drive up the road to the Crest on the east side of the mountains and look for a parking lot on your left which is the head of several trails. Bathrooms and trash are available. Tree Spring takes you to the top of the mountain with a fantastic view of Albuquerque. Be prepared for cooler weather and wind at the top but it is worth it. We saw deer, unusual butterflies & chipmunks and along with the majestic views of the mountains and Sandia Park it's perfect for taking great photos. $3 parking fee.
Written 17 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SHHS_11
Kingston, MA87 contributions
Aug 2011
The drive to the peak of the Sandia Mountains, curve after curve, reaching 12+ miles into the heavens, is breathtaking on a sunny day. It is possible to see Sante Fe in the distance. The undulating surfaces of the lower mountain ranges fascinates one with the symmetry and variety of vegetation. If you haven't seen New Mexico, plan to do so.
Written 13 September 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can we get info on driving to the top when we arrive in Santa Fe?
Written 14 September 2018
The directions are pretty simple. You can use google to a point but you most likely will lose phone signal going up the mountain. If you take the back road from Santa Fe you will go through some cute small towns on the way. The road you want is North 14. It is a small highway through the Sandia Mountains. The road to the Crest (mountain top) is just before the town of Tijeras (tee hair us) look for the sign on the West side of the road. Have fun & take some water and a jacket. High altitude and cooler temps.
Written 24 May 2019
Can you watch the balloon ascension from here
Written 29 April 2018
If you are on the West side of the mountain you can see the balloons. You will be too far to watch the ascension. The best view for the ascension is on the field where they lift off. Or at least closer to Balloons Fiesta Park. Have fun!
Written 24 May 2019
What is the cost to travel on the tram? I'm a senior citizen do you have senior rates? What are the hours the tram is accessible? Thank you for your response.
Written 6 March 2016
Want to go in Dec. Are there areas to hike considering snow?
Written 25 November 2015
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