Fodor's InFocus Santa Fe by Fodor's Travel Guides

Author:Fodor's Travel Guides [Fodor’s Travel Guides]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel
Published: 2021-02-16T00:00:00+00:00

Sandia Park

24 miles southwest of Madrid, 22 miles northeast of Albuquerque.

The southern stretch of the Turquoise Trail, as you continue from Golden and begin encountering upscale housing developments around Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club, is more densely populated than the northern section—it’s almost suburban in character, with the towns of Sandia Park (population 260), Cedar Crest (population 1,000), and several smaller nearby communities considered part of metro Albuquerque. The Turquoise Trail meanders along the eastern flanks of the Sandia Mountains before intersecting with Interstate 40, which leads east for the final 10 miles into Albuquerque proper.

s Sights

Sandia Crest

VIEWPOINT | For awesome views of Albuquerque and half of New Mexico, take NM 536 up the back side of the Sandia Mountains through Cibola National Forest to Sandia Crest. At the 10,378-foot summit, explore the foot trails along the rim (particularly in summer) and take in the breathtaking views of Albuquerque down below, and of the so-called Steel Forest—the nearby cluster of radio and television towers. Always bring an extra layer of clothing, even in summer—the temperature at the crest can be anywhere from 15 to 25 degrees cooler than down in Albuquerque. ENM 536.

a Activities

Sandia Peak

SKIING/SNOWBOARDING | Although less extensive and challenging than the ski areas farther north in the Sangre de Cristos, Sandia Peak is extremely popular with locals from Albuquerque and offers a nice range of novice, intermediate, and expert downhill trails; there’s also a ski school. Snowboarding is welcome on all trails, and there’s cross-country terrain as well, whenever snow is available. Snowfall can be sporadic, so call ahead to check for cross-country; Sandia has snow-making capacity for about 30 of its 200 acres of downhill skiing. The season runs from mid-December to mid-March, and lift tickets cost $55. Keep in mind that you can also access the ski area year-round via the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, which is faster from Albuquerque than driving all the way around. In summer, the ski area converts into a fantastic mountain-biking and hiking terrain. The ski area offers a number of packages with bike and helmet rentals and lift tickets. Other summer activities at Sandia Peak include sand volleyball, horseshoes, and picnicking. ENM 536 P505/242–9052 ski area, 505/857–8977 snow conditions wwww.sandiapeak.com.

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