Take the Sandia Peak Aerial Tram to one of New Mexico’s best views. From dramatic landscapes to hiking adventures, it’s the perfect Albuquerque escape.
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience one of New Mexico’s most breathtaking views, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway delivers in spectacular fashion. As the longest aerial tram in North America, this engineering marvel lifts you high above Albuquerque, offering unparalleled views of the Rio Grande Valley, dramatic canyons, and the endless expanse of desert stretching to the horizon. Whether you’re chasing a fiery Southwest sunset, eager to hit the trails at the summit, or just looking for an unforgettable way to see the Land of Enchantment from a whole new perspective, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tram deserves a spot on your must-see list during your visit to Albuquerque.
Table of Contents
History of the Sandia Peak Tram
The Sandia Peak Tramway has been wowing visitors since the inaugural passenger ride on May 7, 1966. This engineering marvel was the brainchild of Robert Nordhaus and Ben Abruzzo. These two visionaries wanted to create something special: a way to link the city of Albuquerque to the summit of the Sandia Mountains. And, as you can see during your ride, they definitely didn’t take the easy route.
The tramway was built by Bell Engineering of Lucerne, a Swiss company renowned for constructing cable cars in the challenging landscapes of the Swiss Alps. Nordhaus and Abruzzo specifically chose Bell Engineering for its expertise in handling mountainous terrains. The rugged and steep conditions of the Sandia Mountains required advanced skills, making the Swiss team the ideal choice for the project.
Building the tram wasn’t a walk in the park. Construction crews tackled the steep, rocky terrain by using helicopters to transport materials and stretched cables across deep canyons and sheer cliffs. Much of the work was completed by laborers who lived on the mountain during the project. The tramway’s two support towers were particularly difficult to construct. One stands 232 feet tall, while the second, built in an area with no road access, required helicopters to deliver steel and concrete.
It was a logistical puzzle that required a lot of creativity and some serious guts from the workers. It ended up taking 2 years to build the tram, followed by 60 days of rigorous testing. And yet, they pulled it off, piecing together a tramway that’s as much an engineering wonder as it is a breathtaking experience. So, when you’re gliding over the wilderness in the tram car, you might reflect on all the problem-solving and heavy lifting that went into making it happen. Or just enjoy the view!
From Base to Summit: The 15-Minute Journey into the Sky
You’ll start your journey at the lower tram terminal parking lot. There’s usually plenty of parking since the lot is intended for those who are actually riding the tram. During busy times, there’s a parking lot attendant who will ask if you’re riding the tram.
Each tramcar can hold up to 48 passengers or carry 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms) of combined weight, including people, water, and ballast. Four track cables, each weighing 100,000 pounds, are built with enough strength to support a car on their own. For extra peace of mind, every car rides on two of these cables. When running at full capacity, the system can transport around 200 people per hour.
Once you’ve boarded the tram, you’ll have a decision to make. Do you make a run for one of the windows, or do you stand in the middle, hang on to a grab bar, and stare at the ground? If you’re towards the back of the line, you may end up in the middle of the tram car, even if you were hoping for a window spot. But people are usually nice about giving you a chance to snap photos from the window if you ask.
Once everyone’s settled, the tram operator will say hello, and you’re off!
Starting at a base elevation of 6,559 feet (1,999 meters), the tram steadily climbs to Sandia Peak, where the upper terminal sits at 10,378 feet (3,163 meters). That’s a vertical rise of 3,819 feet (1,164 meters). Between the start and finish, the Sandia Peak Tram stretches 2.7 miles (4.3 km) on a diagonal and operates like a giant, high-tech pulley system. Both tramcars are connected to the same set of cables, so when one car descends, its weight helps pull the other car uphill. The whole ride takes just under 15 minutes, moving at a comfortable pace of about 12 miles per hour. It’s quick enough to keep things interesting but slow enough to soak in those scenic views.
During the journey, you’ll pass two towers, creatively named Tower 1 and Tower 2.
When the cars meet in the middle of their route, they’re suspended nearly 1,000 feet above the ground. That’s roughly the height where your brain starts questioning your life choices. Around this point, you may see a mix of reactions from your fellow passengers. Some people are awestruck by the amazing views. Others take a moment to reconnect with their faith. A few people may suddenly become fascinated by the patterns of the tram floor. And then there are those whose minds start wondering, “Has the tram ever gotten stuck? Or, worse … fallen?”
The good news is that the tram has never fallen. Over the course of a year, the tram clocks an impressive 10,500 trips. Over 12 million passengers have taken the Sandia Peak Tram ride before you, and it has never taken a tumble. Not once.
As for the “getting stuck” part … well, that did happen. Once. Here’s the story.
When the Sky Stood Still: The 2021 Sandia Peak Tramway Rescue
On New Year’s Eve of 2021, the Sandia Peak Tramway faced a night to remember, though not in the way anyone hoped. A sudden winter storm rolled in, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures. The icy conditions caused the tram cables to freeze up, leaving 21 people stranded in two tram cars. Among them were tram employees and staff from the TEN 3 restaurant, stuck after finishing their shifts.
The rescue effort that followed was impressive, though not without its challenges. Teams from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico Search and Rescue stepped up to the plate, coordinating a careful plan. By the next morning, when Mother Nature decided to ease up a bit, helicopters were sent in. Rescuers were lowered down to the tram cars and, one by one, they hoisted each person to safety. Despite enduring over 15 hours in freezing weather, everyone was safely evacuated without injury, thanks to the efforts of the capable and determined rescue teams.
After the 2021 incident, the tram operators introduced major safety improvements to prevent similar events. For starters, they installed advanced weather monitoring systems to keep a closer eye on conditions that could lead to icing. They also overhauled their weather policies, setting stricter guidelines for shutting down operations during sketchy conditions. Now, if ice starts forming or wind speeds hit 50 mph, the tram gets a timeout.
These updates have made the whole experience safer and more reliable, giving visitors and staff extra peace of mind. Now, with those improvements in place, all you need to do is soak in the views and enjoy the ride. Or at least get back to finding interesting patterns in the tram car floor with a greater sense of ease.
Wild Neighbors You Might Meet
As you make your way up the mountain, you’ll notice the plants and trees shift dramatically from the base to the peak. These “life zones” are like nature’s own neighborhoods, defined by elevation, temperature, and the amount of moisture the area gets. Each life zone supports a unique mix of plants and animals that thrive in those conditions. Trees, for example, grow within specific ranges. At higher elevations, it’s too cold for certain species to survive, while lower down, the dry soil makes it hard for their roots to settle. During your journey up the western slope of the Sandias, you’ll pass through Piñon-Juniper at the lower elevations, Ponderosa Pine as you climb higher, then Mixed Conifer, and finally Spruce-Fir near the summit.
The Sandia Mountains are bustling with wildlife, even if they prefer to keep a low profile. Among the 50+ species of mammalian residents, there are mountain lions, bobcats, gray and red foxes, badgers, long-tailed weasels, skunks, porcupines, black-tailed jackrabbits, desert cottontails, raccoons, shrews, several bat species, and the elusive ringtail. But don’t expect them to roll out a red carpet for you. They’re pros at staying out of sight.
Over 30 species of reptiles and amphibians also make their home here. The lineup includes three types of rattlesnakes (western diamondback, prairie, and blacktail), bullsnakes (aka gopher snakes), garter snakes, whipsnakes, short-horned and prairie lizards, whiptail lizards, collared lizards, great plains skinks, and even tiger salamanders. But you’ll probably need to wander off the main trails to catch a glimpse of any of these critters. For those of you who might be worried about encountering rattlesnakes, you can rest easy. You usually won’t find them above 8,000 feet, so it’s highly unlikely that you’ll see one during your tram adventure. Still, it’s a good idea to avoid reaching into holes, crevices, or other places you can’t see.
What are your chances of seeing any of the wildlife listed above? Well, it’s not zero, but don’t hold your breath. If luck is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of mule deer, black bear, or a coyote trotting along. Higher up, you’ll have a better chance of spotting smaller animals like Abert’s squirrels and chipmunks. And don’t forget to look up, as you may spot a red-tailed hawk soaring above. During my recent trip on the tram, a red-tailed hawk was perched on a cable and getting a free ride.
Speaking of birds, the Sandia Mountains are very popular with birdwatchers, and with good reason. Well over 200 species have been recorded in the Sandias. Birders are particularly attracted to Sandia Peak because it’s one of the best places in the country to spot all three types of rosy-finches (black, brown-capped, and gray-crowned). Birders are also eager to come across a three-toed woodpecker. If you’re hoping to tick those species off your list, then you’ll want to hike toward the bird feeders at the Crest House near the Sandia Crest summit. Keep in mind that rosy finches are only there from November through March, so you might be hiking in the snow. American Three-toed Woodpeckers are year-round residents in the Sandia Mountains, but you’ll have to work for it, as they are rarely observed unless you know where to look.
If birds are your thing, I’ve got a whole blog post dedicated to the rosy finches and other feathered friends you can find here: Birding Sandia Crest in Albuquerque’s East Mountains: Searching for rosy-finches, three-toed woodpeckers, and other alpine birds.
If you’re looking for a checklist of the birds you might find, the Sandia Ranger District published a helpful “Birds of the Sandia and Manzanita Mountains” checklist that lists what species you’re likely to find in the different seasons and habitat types. Of course, eBird is always a great option to find out what species have been spotted recently in the area.
When Albuquerque was Under the Sea: The Geology of the Sandia Mountains
From Ocean Floor to Mountain Peaks: The Ancient Origins of the Sandias
An interesting thing to ponder, as you gaze at the Sandia Mountains and surrounding high-desert landscape, is that all of it was once completely submerged under an ancient sea. Hard to believe, right? But if you could rewind Earth’s history about 300 million years, that’s exactly what you’d find. Instead of enjoying a scenic hike on top of Sandia Peak, you’d be wading through a shallow, tropical ocean, and probably dodging prehistoric critters while you’re at it. How is that possible?
Back in the day, as in 300 million years ago, New Mexico was located at sea level near the equator, and the Sandia Mountains didn’t exist. Over time, the calcium carbonate shells of marine life accumulated on the seafloor, forming thick limestone layers.
Fast forward to about 70 million years ago, and New Mexico looked very different. Western New Mexico was covered in lush jungles, providing habitat for dinosaurs. Meanwhile, the Albuquerque area was a low plain near a coastline. Someone really could have sold you beachfront property in Albuquerque.
Then, about 10 million years ago, the Earth’s crust started to pull apart in a process that geology nerds call rifting. In this case, it’s known as the Rio Grande Rift, an event that’s still unfolding today. This process is what sets the Sandia Mountains apart from the Rocky Mountains.
Does that mean the Sandia Mountains are not part of the Rocky Mountains? Correct! The Rocky Mountains formed from the compression and crumpling of rock layers between 80 and 55 million years ago, stretching from Canada down to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the Pecos Wilderness east of Santa Fe, New Mexico. But that’s where the Rocky Mountain uplift stopped. In comparison, the Sandia Mountains are youngsters at 10 million years of age, formed by the completely different geologic process known as rifting.
As the Rio Grande Rift expanded, sections of land began to sink, forming valleys (like where Albuquerque sits), while others rose, creating the Sandia Mountains. Imagine the seafloor splitting apart, with one section sinking while the other section of seafloor tilting up and towards the east. That’s how the Sandias were born.
That explains the major differences you’ll see when you look at the west face vs. the east face of the Sandias. The west face is steep and dominated by an uplifted granite core that formed about 1.4 billion years ago. This granite was once molten rock buried over 25,000 feet underground, slowly cooling and solidifying into a dense, interlocking patchwork of white feldspar, gray quartz, and black mica which give it a distinct speckled look. The granite is capped by the limestone layer that once served as the seafloor, 300 million years ago.
And what about the rock layers that should exist between that ancient 1.4-billion-year-old granite and the 300-million-year-old limestone cap? Well, that’s a bit of a mystery. Geologists call this gap “The Great Unconformity”. The best guess is that either the missing rock layers were never deposited, or they were eroded away before the sea arrived.
In contrast, the east side of the mountain has a much gentler slope compared with the steep, craggy west face. It’s basically the former seafloor turned up at an angle to form a gradual slope to the east, perfect for a ski area (Sandia Peak Ski Area).
Now you know why it’s possible to find fossils of ancient marine creatures like clams, snails, crinoids (also called sea lilies), and brachiopods embedded in the rock at the top of Sandia Mountains and along the east slopes of the Sandias.
If none of this makes any sense, I won’t take it personally. But if you want to see it for yourself, check out the displays at the upper tram station, where rock samples and diagrams explain the process in more detail.
So, let’s recap: the Albuquerque area was once seafloor, then it was beachfront property, then it became a jungle with dinosaurs, and now it’s a high desert with water shortages. Talk about climate change!
Granted, much of the change was due to shifting tectonic plates, moving New Mexico further away from the equator until we arrived in our current location a few million years ago.
At this point, you might be thinking to yourself … “If the Rio Grande Rift is still taking place today, what does that mean for the future of the Sandias, Albuquerque, and New Mexico?”. Great question! Let’s go there next.
The Future of Albuquerque and the Sandia Mountains: Drifting Westward Into the Unknown
What does the future hold for Albuquerque and the Sandia Mountains?
The answer is that our tectonic journey isn’t over. Since Albuquerque is drifting westward at about an inch per year (along with the Sandia Mountains, as it’s all part of the North American tectonic plate), in a million years, we’ll be about 16 miles closer to the Pacific Ocean. In 50 million years, we could be hundreds of miles west of our current location. Of course, that assumes tectonic plate movement remains steady, and that’s never a safe bet.
So far, you might be worried that your distant relatives will have to pay California real estate prices. Rest assured, that’s the least of your worries in the really long term.
As if planning 50 million years ahead isn’t ambitious enough, in hundreds of millions of years, tectonic forces will completely reshape the landscape. The Sandia Mountains will erode into low hills or disappear entirely, while shifting plates could push whatever remains into a new mountain chain, or even submerge it under the sea … again.
So, get out there and enjoy the Sandia Mountains while you still can!
More on that in the next section.
Nature’s Playground: Exploring the Sandias
If you’re into fresh air, wide-open spaces, and maybe a little dirt under your nails, you’re in the right spot. The Sandia Mountains are a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. So, let’s explore some of the ways you can soak up everything this outdoor wonderland has to offer.
Sandia Peak vs. Sandia Crest
Before diving into all the fun stuff, let’s clear up a common misunderstanding about Sandia Peak and Sandia Crest. A lot of people mix them up, but they’re not quite the same. Here’s the difference:
- Sandia Peak is the area close to the top of the Sandia Mountains where the Sandia Peak Tramway stops. It sits at 10,378 feet and is home to the Sandia Peak Ski Area.
- Sandia Crest, on the other hand, is the actual summit of the Sandia Mountains. At 10,678 feet, it’s the highest point in the range. You can get there by driving up the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway (NM-536), a route that takes you almost all the way to the top.
So, in a nutshell:
- If you’re riding the tram or hitting the ski slopes, you’re headed to Sandia Peak.
- If you’re driving up to the very top, you’re aiming for Sandia Crest.
Hiking Trails of the Sandia Mountains
The Sandia Mountains boast a vast network of trails, offering diverse hiking experiences that cater to various skills levels. Within the Sandia Mountain Wilderness, there are well over 100 miles of maintained trails. These vary from relatively short, flat trails at the summit, to long, strenuous trails such as La Luz Trail and Sandia Crest Trail. The Sandia Crest Trail runs 26.3 miles along the mountain’s ridge between the northern and southern ends of the mountain.
One popular option is to hike from Sandia Peak Tram’s upper terminal (elevation 10,378 feet) to the highest point of Sandia Mountains (10,678) located near the Crest House. It’s a gentle and scenic walk that’s just under 2 miles each way, creating a 4-mile round trip. With clear signage, a mostly flat path, and minor elevation changes, it’s suitable for most hikers. Just be aware that some people notice the altitude since the entire hike is above an altitude of 10,000 feet.
The route follows the ridge of the Sandia Mountains, offering great views of the Cibola National Forest, the Rio Grande Valley, and the expansive desert of New Mexico. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests of mixed conifers, see colorful wildflowers in warmer months, and have more opportunities to spot wildlife.
At Sandia Crest, you’ll find the Sandia Crest House, which used to have a café and gift shop but has been closed for a few years. That’s also where you’ll find the famous bird feeders that attract rosy finches. Just past the Crest House, you’ll find an observation deck at the highest point, with views stretching over 11,000 square miles. It’s a great place to rest, enjoy a snack, and take in the scenery before returning to the tram.
As a quick aside, you’ll also find a large parking lot at Sandia Crest (~2 miles away from the top of the tram). at the top of the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway (NM-536). The paved road climbs ~4,000 feet in elevation over the course of 14 miles to reach Sandia Crest. It takes about 60-75 minutes to drive to the summit from downtown Albuquerque, depending on traffic and road conditions. During the winter months, be sure to check for road conditions and possible closures due to snow and ice. You can see my birding Sandia Crest blog post for a detailed summary of the drive to Sandia Crest, including a photo of what can happen to your car during icy conditions.
Perhaps the most famous trail in the Sandia Mountains is La Luz. La Luz trail will test your endurance while rewarding you with postcard-worthy views. But if you’re not too excited about the idea of doing a 15-16 mile round trip hike, Sandia Peak Tram is there to save the day. Many hikers, myself included, like to hike up La Luz and then take the tram down to save their knees. Other hikers, perhaps the smart ones, prefer to take the tram up and then hike down La Luz.
If you’re thinking of tackling a one-way hike up or down La Luz, there’s a catch! You’ll need to take another connecting trail at the bottom in order to get from La Luz trail to the base of the tram. So, you’ll end up hiking closer to 9 miles one-way if you’re using the tram. Another common solution is to park two cars: one at the lower tram terminal and one at the La Luz trailhead. That will shave at least a mile off your one-way journey.
Here’s a link to some of the trails you’ll find from the upper tram terminal and a link to some of my favorite trails of the Sandias.
Mountain Biking in the Sandia Mountains
While mountain biking is not allowed in the Sandia Mountain Wilderness areas, there are some mountain bike trails on the Eastern Slopes of the Sandia Mountains, including Oso Corredor, the 10K to Ellis route, and the Faulty Trail from Bart’s Trail to Bill Spring. There’s also a recent addition to the Challenge Trail that provides a five mile stretch of mountain biking between Doc Long to Ellis. When combined, that’s over 10 miles of riding with nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain.
If you’re in town over Memorial Day weekend, you’re in luck. The Sandia Peak Ski Area usually opens its chairlifts to bikes, letting you skip the hard work of climbing uphill. But if the lift isn’t running, well, it’s just you, your bike, and the climb. Either way, the views and trails are worth every drop of sweat.
On the west slope of the Sandia Mountains, mountain biking is limited to the foothills adjacent to Albuquerque. You’ll find trailheads at the ends of Indian School, Menaul, and Copper streets, as well as trailheads at the Embudito Trailhead parking lot, Michael M. Emery Trailhead at the east end of Spain Street, and the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area at the end of Albert G. Simms Park Road.
Downhill Skiing, Nordic Skiing, and Snowshoeing in the Sandias
Downhill Skiing at Sandia Peak Ski Area
Originally named La Madera Ski Area when it opened in 1936, Sandia Peak Ski Area holds the distinction of being New Mexico’s first ski resort. Today, Sandia Peak has 4 chair lifts and 300 acres of skiable terrain. It’s generally best for beginning and intermediate skiers looking for a quick day on the slopes. Keep in mind that the unpredictable snowfall and reliance on artificial snow often limits the ski season and ski conditions on the mountain. You’ll definitely want to check in advance to see if the ski area is open.
If you’re trying to decide between Sandia Peak Ski Area, Ski Santa Fe, and Taos Ski Valley, here’s how they stack up in terms of terrain, snowfall, and overall experience.
| Feature | Sandia Peak 🏔️ | Ski Santa Fe 🎿 | Taos Ski Valley ⛷️ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 10,378 ft summit | 12,075 ft summit | 12,481 ft summit |
| Vertical Drop | 1,700 ft | 1,725 ft | 3,281 ft |
| Skiable Terrain | ~300 acres | ~660 acres | 1,294 acres |
| Number of Runs | ~35 | ~86 | ~110 |
| Difficulty | Mostly beginner & intermediate | Good mix of all levels | Heavy on expert & advanced |
| Snowfall (avg.) | ~100 inches | ~225 inches | ~300 inches |
| Lift System | Older, slower lifts | Modern, decent capacity | High-speed lifts, best infrastructure |
| Crowds | Light | Moderate | Can be crowded on weekends |
| Vibe | Laid-back, local | Great mix of local & visitors | Big-mountain, serious skiers |
| Best For | Quick ski day, beginners, families | Solid all-around skiing | Advanced skiers, big-mountain experience |
Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing in the Sandias
For those looking to explore winter landscapes beyond the ski lifts, the Sandia Mountains offer excellent Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails. The Sandia Nordic Ski Club grooms trails near the 10K Trailhead and Ellis Trailhead, providing well-maintained cross-country routes through high-altitude forests. Snowshoers and backcountry skiers can also explore the Crest Trail and surrounding routes, which offer great views of the Rio Grande Valley and the rugged terrain of the Cibola National Forest. With fewer crowds, peaceful surroundings, and a great mix of groomed and ungroomed trails, Sandia’s Nordic and snowshoeing options provide an excellent alternative to downhill skiing, especially on low-snow days.
If you’re thinking about giving a snowshoe race a try, the Friends of the Sandia Mountains (a great organization to support!) hosts the Sandia Snowshoe Classic every January. This popular 5k event attracts around 175 participants and has been a winter tradition for years. 2026 will mark its 22nd run.
Rock Climbing in the Sandia Mountains
The Sandia Mountains provide a variety of climbing options, ranging from bouldering to multi-pitch trad climbs. Muralla Grande and The Thumb are known for their classic multi-pitch trad routes, offering fantastic views. For climbers looking for longer and more demanding challenges, The Shield and The Needle stand out as excellent choices. Palomas Peak is a popular spot for sport climbing, with over 100 bolted limestone routes. U-Mound is the top destination for bouldering enthusiasts.
If you’re after shorter climbs, Ranger Rock features beginner-friendly limestone walls, while The Shield (resembling a medieval shield) is an iconic big-wall challenge visible from Albuquerque. Whether you prefer technical sport routes, exposed trad climbing, or testing yourself on tough boulders, the Sandias offer a variety of options to test your rock climbing skills.
Ten 3 Restaurant
If outdoor adventures aren’t your thing or if you’re looking for a place to eat during or after your outdoor adventures, Ten 3 restaurant has you covered. Perched at 10,300 feet (hence the name), Ten 3 is a restaurant and bar that offers incredible views while you sip a drink or enjoy a good meal.
Ten 3 offers both formal dining and casual dining menus. Casual dining is offered on first-come first served basis (no reservations) in Ten 3’s “Lounge at the Bar”, which is open Thursday – Monday from 10:30am – 7:30pm (last seating). Here’s a link to Ten 3’s casual dining menu.
For fine dining, Ten 3 requires reservations, has a business casual dress code, and guests must be aged 10 and older. Groups of five or more must call Ten 3 directly at 505-764-8363. Fine Dining is available by reservation Thursday – Monday from 4:30pm till 7:30pm (last seating). Here’s a look at Ten 3’s fine dining menu.
If you’re planning to choose the fine dining option, keep in mind that Ten 3 charges a $50 late cancellation fee per guest (with a 20-minute grace period), so you’ll want to be on time. Plan on arriving at the lower tram terminal 45 – 60 minutes before your fine dining reservation.
Tips for Planning Your Visit to the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
The Sandia Peak Tramway is a fantastic choice whether you’re a local looking for a day trip or a visitor exploring Albuquerque. Here are tips to help you make the most of your tram experience.
- Visit the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway website to check the latest operating hours and updates on maintenance closures. The tram and TEN 3 restaurant shut down for maintenance twice a year, typically for two weeks in April and November.
- Before heading out, check current wait times and road conditions, especially during major events like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
- Tram tickets become available for purchase 30 days in advance of your intended visit. It’s highly recommended to purchase your tickets online before arriving, as they can sell out, especially during peak times like Spring Break, holidays, and the Balloon Fiesta, when wait times can extend to 1–2 hours.
- If you’re planning to hike up or down the mountain, one-way tickets are a convenient option to consider.
- The last passenger tram going up departs at 8pm, and the last tram going down departs at 10pm Thursday – Monday. There are times when the tram is open additional days of the week, with different hours, so please check the tram website for the latest details.
- Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles are not allowed within the Sandia Peak Ski Area boundaries.
- Wear layers to stay comfortable during your visit. The temperature at Sandia Peak is typically 15–30°F cooler than Albuquerque, so be ready for the chillier air. Mountain weather can also shift quickly, so it’s smart to be prepared for sudden changes, including afternoon thunderstorms in the summer.
- There’s also a fully stocked gift shop located at the lower tram terminal if you’d like to pick up a souvenir after your tram adventure.
In Conclusion / Wrap-Up
The Sandia Peak Tramway isn’t just a ride; it’s an experience. Whether you’re trekking trails in the summer, enjoying a meal with a view, or carving through fresh snow in the winter, there’s something about this place that sticks with you. It’s a perfect escape from the city and a chance to reconnect with the great outdoors. So, pack your sense of adventure (and a jacket), and prepare for a day filled with vistas, fresh air, and memories you’ll be talking about for years.
Thought for the Week
This week’s reflection comes from Saint Augustine, a man who lived a fascinating life long before hashtags and hot takes were a thing. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) was a Christian thinker and philosopher who left a massive mark on early Christianity. Born in what is now Algeria, he spent his early years exploring different philosophies and lifestyles before finding his way to Christianity. His famous works, Confessions and The City of God, went on to shape Christian beliefs for centuries to come. Augustine often wrote about faith, personal growth, and the search for truth, helping lay the groundwork for much of Christian doctrine. His words remind us of the importance of curiosity, learning, and looking beyond what’s right in front of us.
One of Augustine’s most famous musings hits close to home, especially in today’s world. He points out how we marvel at the grandeur of mountains, rivers, and the night sky but often skip over the wonder that exists within ourselves. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to chase adventure and beauty outside of ourselves while avoiding the equally important journey inward. Spending time in nature, in places like the Sandia Mountains, offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with both the world and ourselves. As we stand atop the 10,000-foot mountain, looking out over the vast expanse of desert below, it gives us a chance to reflect and remind ourselves that the forces shaping the earth are at work in us too.
“Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering.”
— Saint Augustine
Thanks for reading and happy travels!
Mark (The New Mexico Travel Guy)
Mark Aspelin, The New Mexico Travel Guy (www.newmexicotravelguy.com), is a travel writer and author of two books who has enjoyed a wide variety of adventures in his travels to over 100 countries and all 50 U.S. States. His current project involves visiting EVERY town in his home state of New Mexico (there’s over 500 towns) and writing a story about each one. When not traveling, Mark lives as a recluse in the mountains outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Leave a reply