Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway climbs 2.7 miles to offer a bird’s-eye view of Albuquerque, N.M., sprawled across the Rio Grande Valley below.
The enclosed gondolas began carrying Albuquerque skiers to the other side of the mountain in 1966. The two sides of the mountain are geological opposites. On the western side, the tram glides on its cable over rugged canyons with the city lights twinkling below. Temperatures on the observation deck at 10,378 feet above ground average 20 to 30 degrees cooler than in the city.
The red granite face of the mountain looking down on Albuquerque gave the Sandia Mountains their name, which means “watermelon” in Spanish. The drop-off from the peak is so abrupt that the park includes a launching pad for hang gliders.
On the eastern side of the mountain are 26 miles of beginner and intermediate ski trails carved out of the forest. In the summer, the slope is the playground of mountain bikers. A ski lodge at the base provides services and is accessible from the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway (NM 14).
Sandia Peak Tramway station is about 10 minutes off of I-25 in northeastern Albuquerque. Restaurants at the base station and at the top offer dining with a view. The tramway is open year-round. For information go to www.sandiapeak.com.
This article appears in October 21 • 2011.
