Mary Lou and I have taken the tram up to the top of Sandia Peak at least three times. It a great view from the top. There is a great restaurant with a panoramic view of the valley nearly 4000 feet below.
The Sandia Mountains consist mainly of uplifted granite with a thin topping of sedimentary rock. "Sandia," Spanish for watermelon, was named so because the rock took a reddish glow in the late afternoon sun. The trees along the ridge reminded the early Spanish settlers of watermelon rind.
The 2.7 mile tram is the longest in the world. The tram rises over 3800 feet. If you come down after sunset, the lights of Albuquerque are a beautiful view. On the down side of that, the stronger evening breezes make for a "rocking" good time on the way down in the dark.
Great view of the valley and Albuquerque. The Rio Grande River, which runs right through Albuqerque, can be seen in the far background.
Found these two deer up at the top during one of our visits.
Another view of the tram.
More scenery from 10, 678 feet.
Down at the base of tram in the valley it's about 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer, on average, than on top of Sandia Peak. Even in the heat of summer, smart folk bring a sweater or jacket if they plan on staying up on top until sunset. Cactus is very where down there.
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