Sandia Crest

The Sandias are a narrow mountain range with relatively little land at the highest elevation. Be aware that the summit of the road is at about 9600 feet elevation, which may affect you even if you have previously been at high elevation. Drive up the gradual slope on the east side to the summit. As on other country roads, please pull into paved turnouts to let faster drivers pass. Near the peak, there is overflow parking to the south of the road. There is a helipad near the overflow parking. Enjoy the sharp drop to the west, with views over the Rio Grande Valley and Albuquerque! Good view of the radio masts, nicknamed the Radio Forest. We visited this attraction in mid-October. Some patches of aspen still had golden fall colors

Although the Sandia Crest House is Closed, this view at the of Albuquerque and the surrounding mountain ranges from the Sandia Crest located in the Sandia-Manzano Mountains is well worth the long, steep and very windy road to the summit! Be ready for strong winds or breezes, but you're going to experience a remarkable view! From this point you can actually see as far as the San Mateo, Mount Taylor, Cabezon Peak, Ortiz, Redondo Peak, San Pedro, Jemez Mountains, and an incredible view of the valley where Albuquerque rests tranquilly amidst the middle at 5,994 feet, and Sandia Crest being at 10,678 feet. A wonderful experience for a once in a lifetime bucket list view!