Crest Trail 130 - North & South


Area Status: Open
Access to Agua Sarca, Del Agua and N Crest Trails

Crest Trail 130 is 26.5 miles long. It spans between Tunnel Spring Trailhead, which is on the north end of the Sandia Mountain Range (pictured here), to Canyon Estates Trailhead, located at the south end of the Sandia Mountain range. It is divided into two lengths, the 'middle' being the Sandia Crest House, which gives you the option of beginning at the top and working your way north or south for short or long treks. Before you begin your hike, please refer to the Sandia Mountain Trails map and the Sandia Crest Trails and Trailheads to plan your course. Consider purchasing a Forest Service map if you are planning to walk the entire trail.

  • Cell phone coverage is not guaranteed
  • It is the recreationist’s responsibility to use a map and 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 at some access points.
  • 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
Passes: Click here to Purchase America the Beautiful Passes or contact the locations listed below.
  • 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
  • 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:

FOREST SERVICE MAPS may be purchased at:

  • 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

CASH, CHECK, DEBIT OR CREDIT accepted


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 130 trail access is at the end of the lower parking area, near the vault toilets. The North Crest 130 trail access is by the towers across from the lower parking lot.

(MVUM) Official Motor Vehicle Use Map - North

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Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Horse Riding

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
26.5 miles

  Latitude : 
35.209414

  Longitude : 
-106.448467

  Elevation : 
10,678 ft