Sandia Mountains


Area Status: Open

The Sandia Mountains are chock full recreational activities, for all seasons.

Just east of Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains are the most visited mountains in New Mexico. Millions of people journey into the Sandia Mountains each year. More than half these visitors ride the Sandia Peak Tram or drive the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway to take in spectacular panoramic views of Central New Mexico and to enjoy many other recreational opportunities. The Sandia Crest Scenic Byway 536, has several picnic sites with shelters and group areas for reservation.

  • If you recreate on a regular basis in the Sandias or other National Lands you might consider purchasing one of the America the Beautiful Passes or a Sandia Annual Pass at the locations listed below.

Sandia Mountain Trails

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
Water: No
Restroom: Yes, at Trailheads
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: US Forest Service

General Information

General Notes:

(MVUM) Official Motor Vehicle Use Map - North

More About Bears

Living With Large Predators in New Mexico

About the Civilian Conservation Corps


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

 Day hiking

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

 Backpacking

Horse Riding

Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:

Viewing Wildlife

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:

Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:

Group Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Group Picnicking:

Sledding/Tubing

Recreation areas with activity Sledding/Tubing:

Skiing/Snowboarding

Recreation areas with activity Skiing/Snowboarding:

Alerts & Warnings

View All Forest Alerts   

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Related Links

Location

 
  Latitude : 
35.29136127

  Longitude : 
-106.4411103