Albuquerque, NM: North Sandia Peak via Sandia Crest Trail
Summit the Southwest's most European mountain.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Albuquerque hikers know they’re lucky to have the 20-mile ridge of the Sandia Mountains as their rugged eastern skyline, but surprisingly few trek up through the range’s four ecological zones and spend a night camping above the city lights. This stout shuttle hike traverses the length of the Crest Trail and offers an urban-access backpacking experience unique among American cities, with trailheads and a tram from town–and a restaurant on top.
Start at the Tunnel Spring trailhead at the north end of the Crest Trail and knock out 4,100 feet of elevation gain in the first 10 miles. Just before the 10-mile mark, take a side trail west to the North Sandia Peak summit, just .35 mile and 250 feet of elevation above the Crest Trail. The entire city of Albuquerque spreads out nearly a vertical mile beneath you.
Skip packing dinner and order the green chile stew or bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin at the High Finance Restaurant (reservations recommended: 505- 243-9742, sandiapeakrestaurants.com) at 11.8 miles. Fill your water bottles at the restaurant and find good campsites starting within a mile down the trail after dinner. Finish the almost all-downhill miles the next day, ending at the Canyon Estates trailhead.
GUIDEBOOK: Sandia Mountain Hiking Guide, by Mike Coltrin ($17, unmpress.com)
CONTACT: (505) 281-3304, fs.usda.gov/cibola
-Mapped by Bill Velasquez
TO TRAILHEAD: Shuttle car drop: Take I-40 east 15 miles to NM 337. Turn left onto Arrowhead Trail after .2 mile. Continue .6 mile as Arrowhead Trail turns into Thunderbird Trail (both roads) and ends at the trailhead.
Start: Take I-40 back to I-25. Go 16 miles north to NM 165. Head east five miles to Tunnel Springs Rd. Turn left, and drive 1.5 miles to the Tunnel Spring trailhead.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 38.2
Waypoints
NSD001
Location: 35.291359, -106.439201
Start at the Tunnel Spring trailhead at the north end of the Crest Trail and knock out 4,100 feet of elevation gain in the first 10 miles.
NSD002
Location: 35.290878, -106.438698
As you ascend through loose rock, keep an eye out for fossils and horny toads.
NSD003
Location: 35.262642, -106.441048
The trail climbs through low cover along a wide open slope with magnificent views of the folds in the crest to the north.
NSD004
Location: 35.249176, -106.451018
To the south, lush aspen groves cover the hillsides. Follow the trail through dense forest with occasional breaks that yield views of prominent rock formations below North Sandia Peak.
NSD005
Location: 35.241098, -106.45046
Keep straight @ 3-way junction with Osha Loop Trail.
NSD006
Location: 35.23768, -106.449795
Keep right @ 3-way junction with the 10K Trail.
NSD007
Location: 35.229881, -106.452134
Take a side trail west to the North Sandia Peak summit, just .35 mile and 250 feet of elevation above the Crest Trail. The entire city of Albuquerque spreads out nearly a vertical mile beneath you.
SCN008
Location: 35.235069, -106.456575
North Sandia Peak: (10,447 ft.): The entire city of Albuquerque spreads out nearly a vertical mile beneath you.
SCN009
Location: 35.216679, -106.450798
Pass an area area accessible by vehicles and continue south.
SCN010
Location: 35.211239, -106.449303
After skirting the east boundary of a fenced radio yard, cross Crest Highway.
SCN011
Location: 35.20948, -106.448196
Crest House: Pass a large parking lot near gift shop and snack bar.
SCN012
Location: 35.207162, -106.444581
Continue straight at 4-way junction.
SCN013
Location: 35.207407, -106.444001
Turn right at 3-way junction.
SCN014
Location: 35.206724, -106.441877
Pass a popular meadow enclosed by a buck-and-pole fence; an adjacent rock building overlooks the city below.
SCN015
Location: 35.19701, -106.43486
Skip packing dinner and order the green chile stew or bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin at the High Finance Restaurant (reservations recommended: 505-243-9742, sandiapeakrestaurants.com) located at the top of the tram. Fill your water bottles at the restaurant and find good campsites starting within a mile down the trail after dinner. Next: Finish the almost all-downhill miles the next day, ending at the Canyon Estates trailhead.
SCN016
Location: 35.187155, -106.42087
Turn right, heading southeast.
SCN017
Location: 35.168977, -106.414315
Continue straight.
SCN018
Location: 35.153477, -106.414797
Continue straight at 3-way.
SCN019
Location: 35.143749, -106.414014
Continue straight at 3-way.
SCN020
Location: 35.111835, -106.426857
Bear left at Y-junction onto CCC Trail.
SCN021
Location: 35.09895, -106.405935
Turn right, then continue straight (east) at the next junction.
SCN022
Location: 35.097492, -106.397374
Bear right at Y-junction.
SCN023
Location: 35.089557, -106.391666
The route ends at Canyon Estates trailhead.