Sandia Peak Tramway

The Sandia Peak Tramway rises from the northeast edge of Albuquerque to the crest of the Sandia Mountains, and it is the city's classic scenic ride. Opened in 1966, the tram is a little over 2.7 miles long, among the longest aerial tramways in the world, and it climbs from roughly 6,500 feet in the foothills to about 10,300 feet at the top in around fifteen minutes. Two large cars carry passengers up and down the single long span, passing through desert scrub, juniper and finally ponderosa and fir forest, so you can feel the ecosystem change out the window. Sandia means watermelon in Spanish, and at sunset the granite face of the mountains often glows pink and green, which is the name's likely origin. At the top, the views are extraordinary. On a clear day you can see for up to about 11,000 square miles: the whole Rio Grande valley, the city grid, the volcanoes on the West Mesa, and mountain ranges many miles away. A rim trail runs along the crest for short walks, a lodge and restaurant operate at the summit, and in winter the area becomes a small ski area, with the tram doubling as the lift for visitors who want to ski or sled. In summer, the top is often twenty to thirty degrees cooler than the valley, which makes it a welcome escape on hot afternoons.

Plan the ride around the light and the weather. Sunset is the most popular time because you can ride up in the golden hour and return as the city lights come on, and that is also when lines can be longest, so consider arriving early and buying tickets in advance when the tram's own site allows it.

Mornings tend to be clearer and less crowded. Because altitude changes quickly, bring layers even in summer, and drink water: the air at 10,000 feet is thin and dry, and some visitors feel mild headaches or breathlessness, particularly if they have just arrived from sea level.

The tram operates on a schedule that varies by season, and it closes for maintenance for a couple of weeks in spring and again in fall, so check the operator's site for current hours, closures and wind or weather holds before you build a day around it.

Ticket prices, special events and food options also change, so confirm them on the tram site. For families, the ride is a hit, with big windows, a short walk at the summit and plenty of photo spots. Strollers and wheelchairs can be accommodated with advance questions to the staff.

Many visitors make a half-day of it. Drive the scenic road toward Sandia Crest, hike a short trail near the summit, or have a meal at the top before riding down. Others combine it with a stop at the Turquoise Trail, a casino resort or an evening at the Sandia foothills restaurants.

If you plan to hike down the famous La Luz Trail, treat it as a serious undertaking: it is a steep, rocky route of about eight miles that needs an early start, plenty of water and a plan for getting back to your car.

For most travelers, the ride up and down is the right scale, and it ranks near the top of any first-visit list.