PAGE FIVE: SANDIA TRAMWAY TO SANDIA CREST (15 Photos)
This is one of the most fun things to do in Albuquerque, and photos do not do justice to the adventure. The lower tram station is in the northern foothills section of Albuquerque. Adult return fares are $20. There is a restaurant and a gift shop down below, and hiking trails. There is also a small museum about the making of the tram. There is a restaurant with a bar at the top, a ski area, and many hiking trails. Neither of us had been up and down for many years. My last trip (they call them "flights") was with my dad, a considerable number of years ago.
Departing the lower tram station, elevation around 6,000'. Trams depart about every 15
minutes, but are stopped in high winds or electrical storms. The first of two towers can
be seen in the distance. This one was assembled by carrying all the parts up a trail.
Our tram has reached the first tower and is heading for the second one. That one had parts brought up by helicopter, using over 2,000 trips.
Once past the second tower we met our sister tram, on its way down.
Deb gets a good view of the landscape as we climb and climb. This is the world's longest aerial tram, and it climbs over 4,000'. This side of the Sandia Mtns is dry, but the top and the other side are wet and forested.
A look back at our tram after arriving at the summit.
It was much cooler up here, too!
Opposite the tram is the ski area going down the north side, with the main lift shown. The mountain crest is narrow, but there is a 26 mile trail that follows it from south to north. I have hiked a good portion of it, nearly half.
In the center is Santa Fe Baldy again, this time about 75 miles away to the north. This is a partial view that skiers get when descending the mountain, or hikers if following the Crest Trail.
Ortiz Mtns, looking northeast, from Sandia Peak.
Part of the Crest Trail, showing the rugged west slope of the mountains. There is a disused, tiny ranger cabin high on the summit at upper left. It is the same colour as the rock, but has a tiny window. You can hike to it!
There is a short nature trail at the top, and there were still a few
lingering snow patches. Still, this time of year there should
have been a lot more snow up here.
There is a restaurant and bar up top, and we partook (see "Pubs" page).
View of the south end of the Sandia Mtns from the tramway boarding platform.
The light was more dramatic on our late afternoon descent.
Descending the Sandia Mtns via tramway. Same view as previous photo, but further down now.
To be continued....
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