Sandia Crest, Mountain ridge at 3229 meters in Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Sandia Crest is a mountain ridge at 3229 meters in Bernalillo County. The western slope drops steeply, descending over 1000 meters to the Rio Grande Valley and Albuquerque below.
The Civilian Conservation Corps built the Kiwanis Cabin on the ridge in 1930 as a monument to their public works efforts. This structure stands today as a testament to the construction projects of that era.
The name Sandia comes from the Spanish word for watermelon, referring to the reddish tones that appear on the mountainside at sunset. Visitors notice this coloring especially during late afternoon hours.
You can reach the summit using the Sandia Peak Tramway or by driving directly up the paved New Mexico Highway 536. Keep in mind that conditions at the top are harsher than in the valley below.
The ridge hosts multiple communication towers that share space with a range of wildlife including elk, mule deer, and various bird species. This surprising mix of infrastructure and wild animals shows how human and natural elements coexist here.
Location: Bernalillo County
Elevation above the sea: 3,229 m
GPS coordinates: 35.20900,-106.44800
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42
New Mexico combines geological formations with historical sites spanning multiple periods. The region includes cave systems such as Carlsbad Caverns, extensive gypsum fields at White Sands, volcanic landscapes at El Malpais National Monument, and unusual rock formations in the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. The territory also preserves evidence of pre-Columbian and Spanish settlement, including pueblo ruins, cliff dwellings, and seventeenth-century mission complexes. Sites range from ancient petroglyphs at Three Rivers to military installations like Fort Union. Natural attractions include hot springs at Jemez Springs, the volcanic crater of Valles Caldera, and the deep blue waters of Blue Hole. The collection features archaeological monuments such as Chaco Culture and Bandelier, geological curiosities like the hoodoos at Tent Rocks, and historic pueblos including Taos, which has been continuously inhabited for over a thousand years.
Sandia Mountains
187 m
Sandia Peak Tramway
3.5 km
La Luz Trail
1.7 km
Sandia Cave
6.4 km
Congregation Albert
14.1 km
Tijeras Canyon
15.3 km
Coronado State Monument
16.7 km
New Mexico Rattler
14.7 km
Albuquerque New Mexico Temple
8.4 km
Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
13.8 km
Santa Ana Star Casino
17.1 km
Our Lady of Sorrows Church
14.8 km
San Ysidro Church
15.4 km
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church
16.1 km
Hoffmantown Baptist Church
14.4 km
Tinkertown Museum
8.5 km
Luna Lodge
17.5 km
Juan Antonio Garcia House
16.3 km
Congregation B'nai Israel
17.9 km
Juan Chavez House
17.7 km
San Antonito Church and Cemetery
10.4 km
Barela–Bledsoe House
16.7 km
La Puerta Lodge
17.4 km
Roosevelt School
14.2 km
Felipe Romero House
16.2 km
Rumaldo Chavez House
14.2 km
Cinemark Rio 24
15.9 km
Northeast Albuquerque
11.3 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes