The Sandia Peak Tramway: taking visitors up and away

Written by Jack Mack

Albuquerque, New Mexico has much to offer any visitor - from the scenic Rio Grande Botanic Garden to the famous KiMo theatre. However, one of the city's best-known landmarks - the Sandia Peak Tramway - takes visitors high above Albuquerque. The longest aerial tram in the world, the Sandia Peak Tramw... Albuquerque, New Mexico has much to offer any visitor - from the scenic Rio Grande Botanic Garden to the famous KiMo theatre. However, one of the city's best-known landmarks - the Sandia Peak Tramway - takes visitors high above Albuquerque. The longest aerial tram in the world, the Sandia Peak Tramway is a superb attraction for nature enthusiasts and those who'd simply like to take a relaxing excursion. And it's a popular attraction to visit at any time of year, as it caters to winter sport enthusiasts and summertime bikers and hikers alike. The construction of Sandia Peak Tramway proved to be a difficult task for the commissioned company, Bell Engineering, primarily because of the steep and rocky terrain over which the tramway was to be built. But the project was completed in May of 1966, and has been a popular attraction ever since; today, the Sandia Peak Tram makes about 10,500 trips per year. The tramway, which stretches over a diagonal distance of 14,657 feet, takes visitors to Sandia Peak - the highest point of the Sandia Mountains. A trip up to the top of the mountain takes about fifteen minutes, during which time visitors can gaze out of the windows at the spectacular views; after all, the term "sandia," which means watermelon in Spanish, allegedly refers to the colour of the gorgeous sunsets viewed from above Albuquerque and the New Mexico countryside. There are a number of recreational activities in which visitors can partake once they ascend to the peak of the Sandia Mountains. For example, various Forest Service trails offer recreational hiking and backpacking. The tram also takes visitors to the Sandia Peak Ski Area, a popular destination during December and January; and during the summer months, the Sandia Mountains invite nature enthusiasts to bike over some 26 miles of beautiful trails. The High Finance Restaurant, which boasts 'the best view of any restaurant in New Mexico,' is also located near the top tram terminal of the tramway. Visitors to the Sandia Peak Tramway will find the nearby Hilton Homewood Hotel conveniently placed; it offers comfortable suites in the northeast of Albuquerque and is located in close proximity to the Winrock Mall and the Colorado Shopping Center, so visitors to the city can easily access a variety of tourist attractions during their trip. The Sandia Peak Tramway is undoubtedly one of New Mexico's top attractions, as well as an essential stop-off point for any visitor to the region. So whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply want to enjoy some spectacular views, head to Sandia Peak Tramway - you're sure to enjoy the fabulous experience of being taken up and away.

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