Sandia Peak sits just outside of Albuquerque, and rears up about two
miles above sea level. The longest tram in the world will take you right
to the top. In acknowledgment of this, the trips are referred to as flights.
A ten minute ride, takes the visitor to the top, and to a whole different
climate. It is cooler, well forested, and considerably less dry at the top.
The $17.50 round trip ticket is more than worth the price. I spent several
hours at the top, and regretted having to go back down; but I had things to
do and places to go. In the summer, the tram brings tourists to the top, for
the view. In the winter, it brings up skiers. There are tram/ski packages,
and even year long passes, for people who like to make the top a habit. This
was probably the highlight (no pun intended) of my visit to Albuquerque.
The ride to the top is 2.7 miles long. A pair of restaurants, as well as
park headquarters sit at the top. 
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Above: The road to Sandia leads out of town, along old Route 66. Left: Parked at the foot of the hill, in the heat of the day. The tram wires can be seen along the top of the photo. |
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Left: A look up towards the top, with the first guide tower visible. Below: A look at the tram, coming down the mountain. |
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Left: Coming in for a landing. Below: A look down towards the city, from the height of the tram station. |
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Passengers waiting to board. A sign over the door indicates
the flight number. |
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Of course, there is a gift shop. |
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First class passengers ride inside; coach passengers ride
on top. Just kidding , of course. The two passengers on top of the car
are hang gliders. They ride on top, to be with their gear. |
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A look back at the station, as we start up. |
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Inside, the cars are comfortable enough, and our ride
is smooth. Our guide advises that these trams will travel in winds of up
to 60 mph., though with a considerably more turbulent ride. |
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One of the hang gliders, on top of the car, stands and
takes in the view. |
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A look back towards the station, and the city of Albuquerque,
as we pass the first tower. |
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A look at the base of the tower. The sign near the bottom
indicates that there is no trespassing. It also warns that "survivors will
be prosecuted." |
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The other car heads towards the bottom, pass on our way
to the top. |
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A look way back, towards the tower. |
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Left: Off to the side, can be seen the mountains rising up from the bowl in which Albuquerque is held. Below: Looking back now, the tower is no longer visible, though more of Albuquerque shows itself. |
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Having reached the top, disembarkation permits a look
at the top of the car. |
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Our car heads back down, to pick up another load of passengers,
and to take back a few who have spent time at the top. |
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The passenger loading/unloading station at the top. |
| Back to
Old Town |
Forward
to Walking the Peak |