View from the Sandia Mountains

Our lovely friend Karen decided to visit us in Albuquerque this week, so we took the opportunity to check off one of our local bucket list items: the Sandia Peak Tramway. Initially, we had debated going up in a hot air balloon to see the sights, but the timing, weather and costs simply weren’t in aligned with our goals. No regrets.

So what is it? The tram is a shuttle between the base of the mountains and the peak. It was built to give skiers a quick and easy way to get down to business, though it’s also a great way to get above Albuquerque and see the surrounding valley and mountains. The tram makes its way up and down every day between the hours of 9am – 8pm, except Tuesdays 5pm – 8pm. Intervals vary between 15 and 30 minutes, though the first shuttle leaves promptly at the day’s start time.

We went on a Tuesday, and I think that worked out to our advantage. Why? We saw two views of Albuquerque — sunset and nighttime. I recommend going around 5pm in January (time will vary throughout the year), so you can get the most out of the experience. There was almost no one there on a Tuesday in Winter, so if you don’t like crowds consider a mid-week visit.

Things to keep in mind — there is no seating on the tram (except for a bench to accommodate handicapped passengers), and the car is not heated. There was a twenty degree temperature difference between the base and the peak, and it was very windy on top. If you go during winter, dress accordingly. Jan, wisely, bought a hat for his trip up the mountain at the base gift shop.

There is a nice observatory at the peak with an outdoor deck, views on the ski slopes, restrooms, heaters, and lockers for skiers to use. In June of 2019, a long awaited revamp of the Sandia Peak restaurant is expected to launch. There are multiple trails and bike paths for those that enjoy the adventure, though I don’t recommend that in January.

The tram is about 45 minutes northwest of Albuquerque, so the only way to get there is to drive. We figured the car rental was worth a balloon ride for one person, and the tickets were about $25 each (price varies depending on age and if you get an all-day ticket to go up and down). Oh, they also charge $2 for parking. In total, the amount was about the cost of one and half balloon rides which was much cheaper, equally spectacular, and certainly warmer.

On the way back down, our tram operator turned off the car’s lights so we could have great views and take pictures without the annoying glare. He also rubbed down the windows continuously so our views wouldn’t fog up. I appreciated it.

The Sandia Peak Tramway is consistently rated one of the top things to do in Albuquerque, and I can see why. Try not to miss it if you’re in town.