The Sandia Peak Tramway: What to Know Before You Go
Located on the outskirts of the city of Albuquerque, the Sandia Peak Tramway holds the impressive claim of the second-longest tramway in the world. The tramway’s route ascends over 4,000 feet up Sandia Peak, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. No matter what season you ride the tramway during, there’s something new to see, from snow-lined slopes to lush green forests.
While the tramway ride itself is only about 15 minutes in one direction, there’s plenty to do once you’re there. There are restaurants at both the top and bottom of the tramway, so you can grab a bite to eat and drink after your scenic ride. During the winter, you can hit the slopes at the Sandia Peak Ski Area, and during the summer you can take advantage of the many nearby hiking trails. In the evening, you can witness stunning New Mexico sunsets, followed by the magical sight of the lights twinkling from the city below.
The Basics
Location: 30 Tramway Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122
Hours: 9AM-8PM, Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays)
Cost: $25 round-trip and $15 one-way, with discounts for children, students, seniors, and service members
What to Bring: sunscreen, water, a jacket, a camera
Things to Do: eat, ski, hike, enjoy the beautiful scenery
Planning Your Visit
If you’re planning to visit the Sandia Tramway, you can purchase tickets in advance online. Online tickets must be purchased the day before arriving. Once you arrive at the tramway, these tickets can be exchanged for a boarding pass. Tickets can also be purchased in person. The tram is open on all holidays, but follows an abbreviated schedule on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The tramway runs every 15-30 minutes, and are not on a timed schedule. The ride to the top lasts 15 minutes, after which visitors disembark and are free to hike, ski, eat, or just explore the area and take in the beautiful views. You can spend as much time as you like at the top of the tramway, as long as you catch the last tramcar down.
The temperatures at the top of the peak can be quite a bit colder than Albuquerque. At 10,000 feet in the air, the weather can change quickly, so be prepared with a jacket, sunscreen, and plenty of water. If you’re not yet used to the high elevation, take it easy and pace yourself as you explore the area.
Getting There
The Sandia Mountains lie immediately to the east of Albuquerque and are only a short drive away from pretty much anywhere in the city. There’s a $3 parking fee per vehicle at the base of the mountain, which can be redeemed for a $3 voucher to spend at Sandiago’s Grill. The Albuquerque Trolly Co. also offers rides from several locations in downtown Albuquerque.
Eating at the Sandia Peak Tramway
There are two different restaurants to choose from if you’d like to grab a bite to eat while visiting the tramway. Located at the base of the tramway, Sandiago’s is a laid-back venue with both Mexican and American offerings. From hatch chile cheese fries ($8) to a bbq bison burger ($16), you can chow down on hearty fare inspired by the cuisine of the Southwest. The bar also features local beer, wine, and a variety of special cocktails. Try the Tramcar, a version of the classic Cable Car cocktail with taos rye, cognac, vermouth, benedictine, angostura bitters, and lemon ($12), or the Tramway Bloody Mary, a Bloody Mary with a New Mexican twist made from ketel one vodka, ancho reyes "verde" poblano liquor, santa fe mixers, and hatch green chile bloody mary mix ($12).
At the top of the tramway, visitors can dine at Ten 3, a newly renovated restaurant that sits at 10,300 feet above sea level. This upscale venue features comforting fare like the mole braised beef short rib ($41) and the New Mexican paella ($42). Ten 3 is also a great place to grab a drink and take in the view, with specialty cocktails like the Sandia Pink, featuring gin, caperitif, strawberry, watermelon, and lemon ($11) and the Alipine Martini, featuring ford’s gin, génépy des alpes, amaro alta verde, saler’s aperitif, and dolin blanc vermouth ($11).
If you’re planning on exploring the trails surrounding the tramway once you get to the top, you’re also welcome to pack snacks and lunches for a picnic. Be sure to pick up any leftover trash after eating, and don’t leave any food that might attract wild animals.
Skiing at the Sandia Peak Tramway
During the winter season, visitors to the tramway are welcome to take a tramcar up the mountain and then ski their way back down. You should bring your own ski or snowboarding equipment, and it’s recommended that you’re at least an intermediate skier in order to make your way down on your own.
You can also access the main Sandia Peak Ski Area directly about a 45-minute drive away from the tramway entrance on the other side of the mountain. At the main Sandia Peak Ski Area, you can rent equipment, take lessons, and purchase lift tickets.
Hiking at the Sandia Peak Tramway
There are plenty of stunning hiking trails surrounding the tramway to explore once you’ve reached the top. The Sandia Mountains feature over a hundred hiking trails for visitors of all experience levels. For experienced hikers, La Luz trail is one of the most famous trails in the area, and can be accessed from near the top of the tramway. A 7.5-mile out-and-back hike, the trail features dry desert, lush forest, and spectacular views. If you’re looking for a more leisurely hike, the Peak Nature Trail is a short loop just under a third of a mile with informational signs about the ecosystems surrounding the tram. Hikers are also welcome to hike to the top of the peak and then take the tram down (or vice versa!)
After Your Visit
If you’re looking for other unique experiences in the Albuquerque area, be sure to check out our guided food tours of Old Town. These walking tours cover the history, architecture, and cuisine of the city, and introduce you to a delicious selection of local restaurants!
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