Sandia Tramway As Seen Through My Eyes

All images are taken exclusively by me.
(The upper deck on Sandia Crest)

If you are ever in Albuquerque, NM you must ride the Sandia Tram. Make sure to watch the video of the entire ascent at the end of the article.
(View from the lower trailhead)
(The lower docking area and driving mechanism for the tram.)

The Sandia Tramway is located in Albuquerque, NM. New Mexico is the first state I inhabited after moving from my birth state of Michigan.

Unfortunately I didn't ride the Tram while living there and had always regretted it. So, I made a mental note that this would be at the top of my list the next time I visited, which I did this last May.
(View from the lower deck)
(View of Albuquerque from the ascending tram.)

The ride was amazing and amplified by my affliction of Acrophobia or the fear of heights.

The Tram span's 2.7 miles with an elevation gain close to 4000 feet. It's the third longest span in the world.

The tram was opened for service on May 7, 1966 to transport skier's to the top. The opposing side of the mountain is the Sandia Ski Area, which takes about 45 minutes to reach from the city proper. The resort charges $20 to park for each vehicle, making the $15 round trip price and 15 minute travel time of the tram very appealing.
(Ski lift on the eastside of the crest)

On the day of my trip, the wind was at borderline danger levels with the threat of the tram being shut down hanging over us. We had to stop before going over each tower during our ascent and wait for the wind to die down before preceding.

(Just after clearing the first tower)

My Acrophobia was at high anxiety levels while the carriage was swaying in the wind and activating in me, not only an adrenaline release, but my vivid imagination as well. You will notice my hand in the video holding the rail in a death grip.
(Approaching Dominga Baca Canyon)
On the way up the operator does a great job explaining the geology and history of the area. Part of this history includes an airplane crash, which took the lives of all 16 passenger's on board. The wreckage is still located in the Dominga Baca Canyon, part of which is called TWA Canyon because the debris from the crash is still there.
(Wreckage of TWA Flight 260)
Because of the wind, we were unable to explore the crest much. We were told to stay close in case last ride down was called, so we didn't explore any of the 26 miles of hiking trails boasted. There is pretty much any difficulty level anyone could possibly choose from.

(Upper deck)
The views alone from this one attraction is enough of a reason to visit New Mexico. I will be riding the tram again, no question.

Other recommended sights to see in New Mexico are The Earth ship Biotecture Museum in Taos(Blog w/ video coming soon), rafting the Rio Grande river(coming soon), Carlsbad Cavern National Park, The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge(video available on my page) and the Extinct Volcanoes on the West Mesa of Albuquerque.

New Mexico is a very clean state, which is a testament to the responsibility felt by its residents. I hope everyone respects this.

And now for the video. Thank you for giving me your time and remember to make time to get outside, record it for others to enjoy and keep our areas clean by practicing leave-no-trace principles.

#adventure #travel #education #mountains #albuquerque #newmexico #nature