Bruce O.
Yelp
June 5, 2023 - Sandia Peak Tramway, (Albuquerque, NM)
We arrived at the base of the tramway at 4:10 for a 4:30 pm departure to the top on Sandia Peak, a 4,000+ plus foot climb to 10,378 feet. But not so fast! First we had to stop off at the gift shop to pick up a little schwag - a Scandia Tramway lapel pin, refrigerator magnet, and tee shirt. The gift shop has lots of New Mexico related gifts and artwork.
Our tram actually left at 4:40. It's about a 15 minute ride to go up about 4,000 feet over 2.7 miles. Of course the views are stunning as you climb out of Albuquerque's 80 degree high desert cactus heat to the 10,300+ foot high, conifer-lined, jagged Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest. It's 20 degrees cooler when you get to the top, and the weather is subject to change, so dress accordingly.
You'll see lots of beautiful rock formations and forest as you look up, and various landmarks like the Rio Grande River and the Albuquerque airport and city propper down below. There are also lots of great views of other mountain ranges and plateaus as you look out towards the west.
Once you get to the top, there is a viewing platform and access to the Ten 3 bar and restaurant, as well as access to miles of trails. As we looked out, we saw a massive rain storm moving our way.
First stop, Ten 3 bar and then on to 5:30 dinner reservation at the restaurant with unmatchable 10,300 foot high view looking down and out to the impending storm headed our way!