Things to Do in Sandia Peak Tramway

Sandia Peak Tramway climbs almost 4,000 feet in 15 minutes, carrying you three miles up the steep western face of the Sandia Mountains outside Albuquerque. This is the world's longest aerial tramway. At 10,378 feet above sea level, you'll find temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler than the desert floor below, with views extending across five states on clear days—the entire geography of central New Mexico unfolds beneath you.

Your dining options are limited. Ten 3 Restaurant at the peak is essentially it for sit-down meals, serving American and New Mexican cuisine with an unbeatable view. The food is decent rather than exceptional, but the setting makes up for it—at the base terminal, there's a small snack bar, but you're better off eating in Albuquerque proper either before or after your visit.

Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable weather, with May through October being prime months. Summer can be quite warm at the base but pleasantly cool at the peak. Fall is particularly beautiful when the aspen trees change color, though this makes weekends crowded—winter visits are possible but weather can be unpredictable and the tram occasionally closes during severe conditions.