Just outside Albuquerque, along the Turquoise Trail, sightseers will enjoy a climb through the Cibola National Forest to the summit of the Sandia Mountains. Especially scenic during the autumn season, the route passes through a forest of ponderosa, aspen and spruce. A challenging climb for cyclists, the Crest is the high point of the Sandia Mountains, topping out at an elevation of 10,678 feet. Reaching the Sandia Crest Summit, the overlook offers panoramic views in every direction. Here, the U.S. Forest Service offers off-road parking, a visitor center, snack bar and gift shop. Views take in the City of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande valley and Mount Taylor.
   Known as Big Mountain to the Sandia Pueblo Natives, the Sandias' profile is a long, narrow north-south ridge with a pair of high points. Extending about 17 miles in length, Sandia Crest and South Sandia Peak are the two major summits.
   The Sandia Ridge Area is one of Albuquerque's places to play. A cool respite in the summer, city residents also enjoy the Crest in the wintertime as a snow-sport paradise. In summer, ski lifts provide an easy trip to the mountaintop for mountain bikers who want to experience an exhilarating 15 mile downhill run. Another way to take in the scenery, the Sandia Tramway provides breathtaking sights that extend for hundreds of miles, plus a thrilling 1.7 mile trip to the top.

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