Located just a few minutes outside of Albuquerque, the Sandia Crest Trail Byway is the highest scenic drive in the southwest and offers travelers with an opportunity to feel like they've been transported into another world. What is the altitude of Sandia Peak? Numerous hiking trails exist on both sides of the range, such as the popular La Luz Trail and Crest Trail. DESCRIPTION: Starting at a trailhead near the top of the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway, this route passes through conifers and aspen. GET DIRECTIONS. Starting at San Antonito, it is 21.40km (13.3 miles) long. Sandia Peak Tram and the High Finance Restaurant and Deck will not be affected by the closure. This winding, fourteen-mile drive through the Cibola National Forest takes you to the top of Sandia Peak, standing 10,678 feet above sea level and more than a mile above downtown . The race up Sandia Crest Scenic Byway was well worth it, regardless of how unprepared we were for below-freezing temperatures at the top. A magical trek through central New Mexico combines sacred sites, ancient ruins, and scenic hikes, all while you experience traditional folk art, New Mexican cuisine, and (mostly) modern accommodations. Kayenta-Monument Valley Scenic Road. . More than half these visitors ride the Sandia Peak Tram or drive the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway to take in spectacular panoramic views of Central New Mexico and to enjoy many other recreational opportunities. Just outside the community of Sandia Park, you'll find Tinkertown Museum, a collection of one man's life work that includes a handcarved animated miniature western town and a three-ring circus. Be sure to check our website for weather updates. The all- weather, paved Sandia Crest Highway (NM 536) is the highest scenic drive in the southwest. 2 min read. The Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway - Starts from US Route 14 in Cedar Crest and ends atop the Sandia Crest, the highest point in the mountain range. 3. 3,255 m . Sandia Crest is 16 mi. Yes, we are just over two miles above sea level in elevation. Visiting Sandia Peak is one of the best ways to beat the summer heat. The Sandia Crest Scenic Byway is also a popular path for motorcycle riders with its miles of winding road to the summit. Beginning 15 minutes east of Albuquerque, your journey takes you on the back road to Santa Fe. The byway is paved and it can be done all-year round. There is a stream that runs through it, that has created a wet meadow. New Mexico State Road 14. The Sandia District includes national forest land in eastern Bernalillo and southeastern Sandoval counties, and includes the Sandia Peak Tram and the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway. Tijeras is an archeological site open to the public. There are two main ways to get to Sandia Peak: by car or the tramway, though you'll also need a car to get to the tramway base terminal. Tijeras. . We'd be happy to answer your questions about the trails, the birds, the items in the shop or life at 10,678 feet! Here at Sandia Crest you really can see forever. I led a wildflower walk last Saturday in the Sandia mountains. About The Crest House Andy and Amy, the owners/managers, and all the staff are glad to welcome you to Sandia Crest House. Meet at 9 a.m. Elevation gain is 3,828 feet, and you may experience a drop in temperature of as much as 20 . Spend a half-day or several days exploring. Jerome, Clarkdale, and Cottonwood Historic Road. Take a left (west) on 536 through Sandia Park and just continue into the park and up Cibola Mountain (13 mile trip). Incredible rock formations jut up from the wild slopes, exploding with incredible metallic colors. Entry to the trails network can take place on any side of the mountain from the Albuquerque Foothills, to Placitas, to Tijeras Canyon, to the east side via the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway. Sandia Crest is a mile above the surrounding countryside and 2 miles above sea level. Slow and Heady - Read online for free. Sandia Crest House Gift Shop & Restaurant 701 Sandia Crest Rd., Sandia Park, NM 87047 Top of Sandia Crest Scenic Byway, 14 miles above Antonito: Sandia Park: 1p : 06/18/21: Tinkertown Museum 121 Sandia Crest Road (I-40 to exit 175, north about 7 miles) Sandia Park: 3p : 07/22/19: Loretto Chapel This road has many switchbacks, but is otherwise a well maintained paved road. There are several ways to get to Sandia Crest: hiking up from Albuquerque on the west side, taking the tramway from Albuquerque, or driving up from the east on the Sandia Crest Byway, Highway 536. The climb begins in San Antonio, New Mexico which is roughly in the middle of the state on the Rio Grande River. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) - The U.S. Forest Service announced Friday it would be closing the Sandia Crest Recreation site's upper parking area from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday to continue the … 121 Sandia Crest Rd Sandia Park. America's Scenic Byways Sandia Crest is a mile above the surrounding countryside and 2 miles above sea level. At 12.8 miles is the parking area and sign. There are mileposts most of the way, starting at NM 14, where NM 536 originates, up to Sandia Crest. Overview. It's suitable for all vehicles. CONTACT. Sandia Crest Byway is a 11.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Sandia Park, New Mexico that features a great forest setting and is rated as difficult. Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley stretch out below with majestic Mt. The byway is about 2 miles above the sea and it is the highest scenic drive in the southwest. to 536, and then another left onto the Sandia Crest 536 Scenic Byway, and wind your way up. 14. Take I-40 E to the Tijeras exit (175). Enter the National Forest at mile 1.2. It's called NM-536 (Sandia Crest Scenic Byway). To reach it, take NM 536 westbound from NM 14 by San Antonito. Millions of people journey into the Sandia Mountains each year. Email. Some 200 miles of trails cover all parts of the mountain, both inside and outside the Wilderness ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet elevation. Central. It is open from 9 to 6 daily from April through Oct. Back to Museums List. Came. Mingus Mountain Scenic Road. Abo Pass Trail Chain of Craters Back Country Byway Corrales Road Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway Guadalupe Back Country Byway High Road to Taos Sandia Crest Byway is the highest scenic drive in the southwest, following NM 536 for nearly 14 miles up to Sandia Crest, which stands a mile above the surrounding countryside and two miles above sea level. The Sandia Crest Scenic Byway is also a popular path for motorcycle riders with its miles of winding road to the summit. Visit Website. We found more than 30 species of wildflowers in bloom. The ruins were first mapped in 1930. San Pedro Parks Wilderness is in the Jemez Mountains northeast of Cuba, NM. Location: Albuquerque, off NM536 (Sandia Crest Scenic Byway) Register for this outing before August 12. Length 13.4 miElevation gain 3,923 ftRoute type Point to point Dogs on leash Kid friendly Scenic driving Forest Views n. on SR 14, then 14 mi. The National Fee Project is currently in operation for all developed sites on the Scenic Byway and along the west and north sides of the district inthe Juan Tabo, Basin, and Las Huertas Canyon Areas. We had 16 participants, obviously helped by the publicity in an article in The Albuquerque Journal on Thursday, August 9. The route takes you into the Cibola National Forest, filled with Ponderosa pines, Gambel oaks and spectacular wildlife, including black bear, mule deer and migrating neotropical birds. Birds of the Turquoise Trail. A 14-mile drive along NM-536 through the Cibola National Forest terminates at Sandia Crest, where you can soak in views like this one. Couldn't make it to the top from the eastern side because of the roads being closed for a danger of forest fire, so had to take the tramway up from the western side. e. of Albuquerque on I-40, 6 mi. Embark on the byway from the north, just outside of Santa Fe, or from the south, just east of Albuquerque, on NM Hwy. There is a lot of wildlife viewing . 10,679′ Is Sandia Crest open to the public? Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail is primarily used for scenic driving and is accessible year-round. On the western slope of Sandia Crest is the world's third longest single span aerial tramway with a stretch of 2.7 miles. See the Map and Directions to Sandia Cave. At the Sandia Crest there is parking, a gift store, snack bar and a lookout . Mammals Along the Turquoise Trail. Harquahala Mountain Back Country Byway. This is a curvy, scenic, 13.6-mile road that takes off from Highway 14, the Turquoise Trail, that heads north from I-40. The Sandias are some of the most beautiful mountains in Northern New Mexico, so you can be . From Albuquerque, head south and east, with stop The area offers scenic views of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande River, and Mount Taylor. Flora of the Turquoise Trail. The Sandia Mountains are the most visited range in New Mexico. It's suitable for all vehicles. The craggy, asperous western face of the Sandia Mountains contrasts the forested eastern slopes that you'll follow up to Sandia Crest. The highway connects Albuquerque to Santa Fe and comprises most of the Turquoise Trail, a National Scenic Byway which also includes NM 536 (Sandia Crest Scenic Byway). The all- weather, paved Sandia Crest Highway (NM 536) is the highest scenic drive in the southwest. Area Status: Open More than half these visitors ride the Sandia Peak Tram or drive the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway to take in spectacular panoramic views of Central New Mexico and to enjoy many other recreational opportunities. Mountain Driving from near Albuquerque, New Mexico to more than 10000ft high Sandia Crest for amazing sunset and night views of Albuquerque, New Mexico. From San Antonio we ride west into the . SANTA FE, N.M., June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The artist collective working along New Mexico's famed Turquoise Trail has announced the dates, times, and . Some 200 miles of trails cover all parts of the mountain, both inside and outside the Wilderness ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet elevation. Drive west from Sandia Park Center along NM-536W and at the junction that leads to Sandia Crest Scenic Byway, follow SR-165 North along the valley. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. If you are interested in taking a short jaunt to the very top of the Sandia Mountains, just take a left turn out of the Nine Mile parking area, onto the Sandia Crest 536 Scenic Byway, and wind your way up. It is an ongoing project. Mile Marker 6 Crest National Scenic Byway, NM 536. Is Sandia Crest open to the public? About half way up the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway, consider a side trip on the gravel Country Road 165, heading through Las Hurtas Canyon to the Sandia Cave trailhead where excavations have found evidence of humans in this area some 12,000 years ago. Perfect for a one-way jaunt . Climbing several switchbacks and through five life zones to the 10,678-foot Sandia Crest you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande, Mount Taylor, and the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The area provides three separate and fully developed slopes to sled down, all of which are fenced in and treeless . There are privately owned businesses and restaurants all along NM State Road 14 and a museum on your way up the 536 Scenic Byway. Note: this route is Called the Turquoise Trail and described (with map) in the National Scenic Byway web site. The trail runs east of the Sandia Mountains through eclectic little towns with loads of history, including quirky museums, artsy galleries, mountain vistas, picturesque hiking trails, champion green chili cheeseburgers, and settings for several . Sandia Crest Byway is the highest scenic drive in the southwest standing almost a mile above the surrounding countryside. Named for the rich turquoise deposits found throughout the area, this byway carves through wild rock outcroppings, piñon and juniper-dotted hills, and a couple of delightfully quirky towns. Numerous hiking trails exist on both sides of the range, such as the popular La Luz Trail and Crest Trail. n.w. 505-281-5233. HOURS. It is here where Congress designated the Sandia Mountain Wilderness (37,200 acres) in 1978. Old Route 66 - Oatman Road. Golden. The Sandia Crest Scenic Byway 536, has several picnic sites with shelters and group areas for reservation." National Forest Service - Sandia Mountains. More than half these visitors ride the Sandia Peak Tram or drive the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway to take in spectacular panoramic views of Central New Mexico and to enjoy many other recreational opportunities. Henderson General Store. If you leave Tinkertown with your vision intact, continue on NM 536 for a side excursion on a section of the Turquoise Trail known as the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway. You are on an incredible high country journey, a breathtaking National Scenic Byway drive. Saturday, August 28: San Pedro Parks Wilderness hike. a day / 5 miles / 11 minutes. Starting at San Antonito, it is 21.40km (13.3 miles) long. This road will take oneby Tinkertown Museum (~ 4 miles) and to Sandia Crest (~13 miles) and to some awesome trails and views in the Cibola National Forest. This byway also has the distinction of being the highest such scenic byway in the entire American Southwest: The eastern side of the Sandia Mountains is no where near as rugged as . Directions: From Albuquerque, New Mexico, take Interstate 40 east to the Tijeras Exit and then N.M. Highway 14 north to the junction with N.M. Highway 536. This byway also has the distinction of being the highest such scenic byway in the entire American Southwest: The eastern side of the Sandia Mountains is no where near as rugged as . The ski area will be delaying the opening of the summer mountain biking season and scenic chairlift rides. . Just a short drive from Albuquerque, New Mexico, the drive offers a view of the entire area. A self-guiding nature trail begins here and loops for a half-mile. The Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway, also known as NM 536, is officially part of the Turquoise Trail. It will take effect Monday and included the Sandia Peak Ski Area and Crest Scenic Byway. A short trail leads to the trail to the cave and a metal spiral staircase leads to the . The Sandia Mountains are the most visited range in New Mexico. Enter the National Forest at mile 1.2. Explore the Cibola National Forest along one of the many trails, including the popular half-mile loop Peak Nature Trail. Approximately 4 miles north of the town of Cedar Crest, the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway branches westward toward the Sandia Crest. The end of the route is the top of the mountain so you'll have another 13 miles to get back. The Ridge looks almost blue as it stretches to the south and out of view. Follow the trail from the parking lot to the cave. This road NM 536 is known as the Sandia Crest Byway and is 13.6 miles long and takes about an hour to reach the summit when driving from Albuquerque: View Larger Map. Located just outside Albuquerque, the road to the summit, also known as Sandia Peak, is totally paved. After 7mi (11km) of mountainous driving, the scenic byway will be on your left. Joshua Forest Scenic Road. It's called NM-536 (Sandia Crest Scenic Byway). The first road to the summit was built in 1927 and was totally paved in 1960. Just east of Albuquerque are the most visited mountains in New Mexico. Sandia Crest Byway. If you're traveling by car and are trying to get to the ski area from Albuquerque, take I-40 East to exit 175 then drive north on NM Highway 14 to the Crest Scenic Byway 536. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and NOT OKAY! Located approximately a half mile off the 536 Scenic Byway, the Cienega Picnic site is fairly flat. This Scenic and Historic Area encompasses 15,000 square miles in the heart of central New Mexico, linking Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Sandia Crest Scenic Byway. Sandia Crest Trail Byway. Gila-Pinal Scenic Road. Located along the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway just past the ski resort, it's the perfect place to find yourself on a snowy day. *There is a $3 Grounds Fee added to each purchase.Tram Tickets are available for online purchase the day before you plan to arrive. And that is where Sandia National Scenic Byway takes you… the Sandia Crest at an altitude of over 10,000. Sandia Crest Scenic Byway: San Antonito to Sandia Crest [CLOSED] easy (18) Sandia Mountain Wilderness Photos (229) Directions Print/PDF Map Share More Bummer, this trail is closed. Zipping down a snowy slope has never been more fun, beautiful, and free than it is at Capulin. Fun delicious fact, "sandia" is watermelon in Spanish, named for the pretty pinkish hue the mountains glow during sunset. Tinkertown Museum - A 22-room folk art museum featuring works of the late Ross Ward (1940-2002), whose miniature wood-carved figures include a 1880s animated western town and three-ring . SANTA FE, N.M., June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The artist collective working along New Mexico's famed Turquoise Trail has announced the dates, times, and confirmed artists for this year's open . The Sandia Crest Scenic Byway 536, has several newly remodeled picnic grounds with shelters and group areas for reservation. Albuquerque's scenic route to Santa Fe is the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, New Mexico Highway 14. As a result, when I arrived at the the top of the mountain, the fog was much too thick to see much of anything. Just outside the community of Sandia Park, along the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway, you'll find Tinkertown Museum, a collection of one man's life work that includes a handcarved animated miniature western town and a three-ring circus. Lone Mountain Ranch. Hike, bike, ski, golf & shop while . 6. Taylor far in the distance. Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road. For those who are brave at heart, another thrill on this trip is the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway. new icn message flickr-free-ic Loops are possible with 10k, for those who avoid out-and-back. Venture off the freeway and onto the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway and you'll see what we mean. Flickr/kyle.tucker95. State Designated Byways. The Sandia Crest Byway can give you all that and more. MAIN 505-242-9052. We had splendid weather as we ascended to 10,000 ft. elevation via the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway to the 10K South trailhead. SANTA FE, N.M., June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The artist collective working along New Mexico's famed Turquoise Trail has announced the dates, times, and confirmed artists for this year's open . This road NM 536 is known as the Sandia Crest Byway and is 13.6 miles long and takes about an hour to reach the summit when driving from Albuquerque: View Larger Map. The Sandia Mountains lie in the northern portion of the District. on the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway (SR 536) to 1 SR 536. More details at: www.sandiapeak.com. We will hike the San Pedro Parks Wilderness as it eases into autumn. Mountain Driving from near Albuquerque, New Mexico to more than 10000ft high Sandia Crest for amazing sunset and night views of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Salt Missions Scenic Byway follows ancient native trails and trade routes that run from the mountains, to the plains in . Follow the Byway also called the "Crest Road", through the beautiful Cibola National Forest. Some may find this guide useful in reporting sightings along the Crest Road, more properly called the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway (NM 536). It links Albuquerque with the crest of Sandia Mountains. Lafayette, Indiana 285 212 Average Scenic Road Review of Sandia Crest Byway Reviewed October 7, 2018 Let me start by saying that on the day I chose to visit the Sandia Crest Byway, it was mostly cloudy and very windy. What does it cost to ride the tram in Albuquerque? At the observation deck atop the 10,678-foot crest, the panorama encompasses 15,000 square miles. What is the altitude of Sandia Peak? This is one of the best scenic drives in New Mexico and a drive that you will want to repeat over and over again. Take Highway 536 (Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway) to the Sandia Crest. The Sandia Mountains were created by an uplift, leaving the forested eastern slope you'll drive up, and a craggy, cliff-like western face. Sandia Park is the third community along the Scenic Byway and turn off onto Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway (NM 536). New Mexico State Road 14 ( NM 14) is an approximately 54-mile-long (87 km) state road located in northern New Mexico. The elevation rises to 10,000ft (3.048m) high through . Naat' tsis' aan - Navajo Mountain Scenic Road. Entry to the trails network can take place on any side of the mountain from the Albuquerque Foothills, to Placitas, to Tijeras Canyon, to the east side via the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway. Half-day Tours from $169.00 per adult The Ghost Tour of Old Town - New Mexico's oldest Ghost Walk - Since 2001 283 Private and Luxury from $34.55 per adult 12pm - Public High Noon History, Legends & Lore Tour - Guided Old Town Stroll 44 Private and Luxury from $34.55 per adult Private Hot Air Balloon Flights with Elevated New Mexico 20 Sandia Crest Scenic Byway. Sandia Crest trail with plenty of shade and great desert vistas. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87122. Came. Date. From San Antonio we ride west into the . The Four Seasons Visitor Center offers year round interpretive exhibits and seasonal programs at the upper Tram Building. Here you can follow the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway, also called the "Crest Road", through the beautiful Cibola National Forest, if you wish. LOCATION. Sandia Peak Ski Area. Drive to 360-degree vistas at 10,678 ft atop Sandia Crest in the Cibola National Forest. I always like to take the scenic route. Ellis Trail #202. Known best for the 2.7mi tram that climbs to the crest from the base of the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico's Cibola National Forest, Sandia Crest has another side every motorcyclist should experience — the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway. When travelers leave the freeway and venture onto the scenic and historic Turquoise Trail that links Albuquerque and Santa Fe, they will see 15,000 square miles of central New Mexico with a bird's-eye view from atop Sandia Crest, the magnificent summit of the Sandia Mountains in Cibola National Forest. Sandia Park Scenic Byway: 2001: Cedar Crest: 1998: Median year renter moved in (as recorded in 2019): Sandia Park Scenic Byway: 2013: Cedar Crest: 2014: Percentage of married-couple families with both working: Sandia Park Scenic Byway: 95.8%: Cedar Crest: 100.0%: 36.1% Bottled, tank, or LP gas; 22.7% Utility gas; 13.6% Wood; It was established in 1450 and is one of the oldest scenic byways in New Mexico. Portions of these byways are fun on a mountain bike, especially the Turquoise Trail, especially the 13-mi. The Sandia Crest Scenic Byway 536, has several picnic sites with shelters and group areas for reservation." National Forest Service - Sandia Mountains. Sandia Park Scenic Byway: 2001: Cedar Crest: 1998: Median year renter moved in (as recorded in 2019): Sandia Park Scenic Byway: 2013: Cedar Crest: 2014: Percentage of married-couple families with both working: Sandia Park Scenic Byway: 95.8%: Cedar Crest: 100.0%: 36.1% Bottled, tank, or LP gas; 22.7% Utility gas; 13.6% Wood; RESERVATIONS 505-242-9052. The climb begins in San Antonio, New Mexico which is roughly in the middle of the state on the Rio Grande River. Area Status: Open More than half these visitors ride the Sandia Peak Tram or drive the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway to take in spectacular panoramic views of Central New Mexico and to enjoy many other recreational opportunities. It also connects El Camino Real Scenic Byway to Salt Missions Scenic Byway. The Sandia Mountains were created by an uplift, leaving the forested eastern slope you'll drive up, and a craggy, cliff-like western face. 5. Tinkertown Museum along the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway is an animated, miniature Old West Town. Tinker Town Museum.