Sandia Peak Tramway

The most breath-taking view of Albuquerque, and an unobstructed view of animals such as black bears and bobcats in their natural habitat, can be found while dangling 1,000 feet above the ground in a tramcar on the Sandia Peak Tramway, the world's longest aerial tram ride.

The ride up the western slope of the Sandia Mountains takes about 15 minutes. At the peak, you can see 11,000 square miles of New Mexico landscape including a volcano field, Mount Taylor and Redondo Peak in the distance. Watch a magnificent New Mexico sunset from the Tram as you climb or descend, or from the atop the peak.

The 2.7 mile long ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway, affectionately called the Tram by locals, will take you 3,819 feet up the mountain to the peak where you can enjoy hiking, fine dining or skiing depending on the weather, and more spectacular views year-round.

The tram exit is mere feet from the top of the chair lift for winter skiing, and the High Finance Restaurant and Tavern at the peak is open year round for fine and fun dining as well as more splendid views of the sunsets.

The Tram, inspired by a similar tram in Europe, was built over 43 years ago by Robert Nordhaus and Ben Abruzzo as a safe, efficient and scenic way for people to reach the Sandia Peak Ski Area from Albuquerque. The project took two years to complete and now carries about 275,000 passengers per year.

- by Julie Medina, Albuquerque Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Julie Medina

Julie Medina has experience as a reporter at the Albuquerque Journal and has written freelance articles for the Albuquerque Tribune, Albuquerque the Magazine, New Mexico Magazine and New Mexico Kids Magazine. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in print journalism from the University of New Mexico in 2008. She has lived in Albuquerque since 1984 and believes it is best to remember to play like a tourist in your own hometown so you don't forget the vast culture around you.