This 37,000 acre wilderness borders Albuquerque's east side with 117 miles of trails. Elevation averaging 10,000 feet.
The Sandia Mountains are an essential element of Albuquerque Style! They are a source of many attractions and activities that make the outdoor Albuquerque lifestyle so appealing.
The Sandias are used for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and hang gliding in the summer, and skiing (including cross-country), snowshoeing, and snowboarding in the winter. The Sandia Tramway takes visitors to Sandia Peak, the 10,000 foot crest of the Sandias. Also, The Turquoise Trail on the east side of the Sandia mountains is a scenic highway drive with fascinating historic stops from Albuquerque to Santa Fe.
For many Albuquerque dwellers, one of the most enjoyable features of the Sandias are the glowing watermelon colors they display during sunset (the word sandia is spanish for watermelon). The Sandia Mountains are Albuquerque's most prominent feature and one of its most essential elements of style!
