You are on Sandia Crest, one mile above Albuquerque & two miles above sea level. From this point you can see in all directions - 100 miles on a clear day. Enjoy the view!
A quarter-mile self guided nature trail beginning south of the Crest House introduces you to the local flora & fauna. The tram is 1.8 miles south of this area. The Crest Trail runs north & south from here, & a spur trail connects to the La Luz Trail just below, south of the Crest House. Wear appropriate clothing & shoes for hiking; take plenty of water & a map. For more information visit the Crest House & Visitor Information Desk inside.
Watermelon Crest
The Sandia Mountains were created by an uplift, leaving the forested eastern slope you just drove up, & a craggy, rugged western face. The rosy colored granite of this face turns crimson when the setting sun reflects on it; the early Spanish settlers named the mountain for the fruit of that color: Sandia (Watermelon).
Rio Grande Valley
At your feet, Albuquerque spreads across the Rio Grande Valley. A line of extinct volcanoes dot the western horizon & on most days you can see Mount Taylor 911,301 feet above sea level).
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