Albuquerque, New Mexico is frequently considered a city that should be seen from up above. It is known for having hot air balloon rides that glide over the region starting early in the morning. But another way to view the immense surrounding plateau with somewhat more control is journeying to the top of the surrounding Sandia Mountains by way of the Sandia Peak Tramway outside of town.
Some visitors prefer to go in time for sunset to see the 11,000 square-mile vista of the Rio Grande Valley, while others take the trip up during the day. The 2.7-mile tramway, which starts at 6,559 feet above sea level, rises over the canyons and forests of the western Sandia Mountains in the Cibola National Forest.
In 1978, the U.S. Congress incorporated 31,000 acres of the Cibola into the Sandia Mountain Wilderness Area which encompasses most of the Sandia Mountains’ western face from the ridge line to the foothills to ensure its future preservation. The area was enlarged to 38,000 acres in 1982. Granite forms the Sandia’s core.
Comparisons to Palm Springs Tramway
The tram system began operating in 1966. It has been compared to the slightly older Palm Springs Aerial Tramway at Chino Canyon on the north edge of Palm Springs, California, overlooking the Coachella Valley with elevation starting at 2,643 feet and ending at 8,516 feet.
In the winter snow falls on the eastern side of the mountains, and located near where the Albuquerque tram arrives is the Sandia Peak Ski Area, the nearest ski slopes to the city. The 10,378-foot peak, which has skiing from December to March, has a 1,700-foot vertical drop.
The haul cable pulls the tram car up and down the mountain with one car ascending as another descends. Each has room for up to 50 passengers. A one-way tram ride takes approximately 15 minutes with the operators usually advising riders of any coming bumps or sways during the trip.
But the experience of being 1,000 feet above the ground and suspended by a single cable may be difficult for someone bothered by heights. The tram makes a vertical climb of 3,800 feet as it goes through different climate zones and a variety of scenery including narrow canyons filled with pine and juniper trees, rock formations, and slopes with aspen and fir trees.
Extensive views of surrounding valley, mountains
The panoramic view from the top extends for 60 miles or more, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Santa Fe visible to the North. After the trip up in spring or summer, trails for available for hiking and mountain biking with bikes for rent (which aren’t allowed to be brought up by tram). In the non-ski season, visitors can take summer chair lift rides up Sandia Peak for more views of the valley.
Also at the top of the tram is a restaurant/tavern named High Finance open for lunch and dinner. In the winter, diners can watch the skiers at the adjoining ski area. On the menu customarily for lunch are salads, burgers, and pasta dishes, and for dinner steaks, seafood, and pasta. Special tram rates are in effect for dinner reservations.
Caution urged on Sandia hiking trails
Of the several Sandia hiking trails, one- La Luz Trail- offers a steep and rigorous trek from the base to the summit. Some material on the hiking cautions that the trials may not be designed for children. For anyone choosing to hike up and down rather than take the tram, the advisory is to expect a trip that will take between 4 and 8 hours.
Regardless of the season, those going to the top are recommended to bring a jacket, even in summer, given the likely 20-30 degree temperature difference that can occur.
When venturing back down on the tram, the best down slope views are from the front side of the cars.
Hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day are 9 am to 9 pm. Adult tram rates are $20.00 and $17.00 for seniors age 62 and over, teenagers, and those with military ID.
The road to Sandia Peak is located off Interstate-25, at exit 234 north of Albuquerque. One cautionary word of advice is probably to stay away during Balloon Fest weekend in October with the expected large crowds and long lines to ride the tramway.
Sources:
- Mike Coltrin, Sandia Mountain Hiking Guide, 2005. Sandia Peak Tramway
- Frommer’s, Albuquerque destinations
John Seidenberg - John Seidenberg has worked on newspapers, newsletters, radio news, and produced specialized news publications as well as freelance ...
