Sandia Crest Trails & Trailheads


Area Status: Open
Crest Trail

SANDIA CREST TRAILS & TRAILHEADS

ENJOY!

Want to take a hike, but not sure which trail to take?

Look for "Suggested Hikes" and "Useful Information" when you refer to the Sandia Crest Trails and Trailheads and Sandia Mountain Trail Guide to plan your course.

  • Cell phone coverage is not guaranteed
  • It is the recreationist’s responsibility to know which trails are designated for motorized vehicles and to follow the guidelines.
  • It is a multi-user area.
  • Trail(s) open for the following uses: Hiking, Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding.

At a Glance

Fees:   Requires a fee or an amenity pass.
  • If you do not have a pass, look for the Pay Station. Envelopes for payment are in the box next to the fee tube. CASH OR CHECK ONLY at pay station. The cost is $3.00 per vehicle for 1 day unless you purchase the Sandia Ranger District Annual Amenity Pass. The Sandia Annual Pass costs $30.00. It is valid for a full year until the end of the month in which you purchase it. (See “Passes" info below).
  • If you have a current America the Beautiful Interagency Annual, Access, Senior, Military or Every Kid Outdoors pass, please display it on your dashboard or hang it on your rearview mirror as directed when purchased.
  • The fee for 15+ passenger, vans and buses is $10 per vehicle.
  • To purchase a Sandia Annual or Interagency Pass see the "Passes" info below.
Open Season: Open year round weather permitting
Usage: Heavy
Water: Yes
Restroom: Yes
Passes: Click here to Purchase America the Beautiful Passes or contact the locations listed below. **Sandia Amenity Passes can be purchased at locations marked with asterisks.
  • **The Sandia Ranger Station, 11776 Highway 337, Tijeras, NM 87059, 505-281-3304
  • **The Cibola Supervisor's Office, 2113 Osuna Rd, Albuquerque, NM 87113, 505-346-3900
  • The SW Regional Office, 333 Broadway SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, 505-842-3898 (does not carry $30.00 Sandia Amenity passes)
  • **REI, 1550 Mercantile Ave NE; Albuquerque, NM 87107  (REI does not carry America the Beautiful Passes)
CASH, CHECK, DEBIT OR CREDIT accepted
Operated By: Forest Service

General Information

Directions:

From Albuquerque, drive east on I-40 to Exit 175 toward Cedar Crest/N-14. Follow N-14 aka the Turquoise Trail for approximately 6.5 miles, to NM 536/Sandia Crest Scenic Byway. Turn left onto 536 and follow it for about 14 miles to the end of NM 536. The South Crest 05130 trail access is at the end of the lower parking area, near the vault toilets. The North Crest 05130 trail access is by the towers across from the lower parking lot.


General Notes:

Official Motorized Vehicle Map (MVUM)

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Living With Large Predators in New Mexico


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:

Day Hiking

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Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

Interpretive Areas

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Visitor Centers

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XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Recreation areas with activity XC Skiing/Snowshoeing:

Alerts & Warnings

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Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Related Links

Location

 
  Latitude : 
35.209414

  Longitude : 
-106.448467