A gondola ride that will take you to the top of the Sandia Mountains!

If you are in Albuquerque, the Sandia Peak Tramway is a must-see. While the city of Albuquerque lies in what is called the “high” Chihuahuan desert, the tramway will transport you to an alpine wonderland that provides hiking opportunities, fine dining, and a much cooler climate than the bustling city below.

The tram is open Thursday-Monday from 9:00 AM-8:00 PM. You can purchase your tickets online before arrival. While one-way tickets are available, most families with kids will want a two-way ticket (unless you plan on mountain biking or hiking either up or down the mountain!)

When you arrive, you will park at the lower station of the tramway, which is located at 6,559 feet above sea level. (If you’re lucky, your arrival may coincide with the arrival or departure of one of the fully enclosed glass tram cars as it travels up or down the 2.7 miles of thick metal cable that ascends the Sandia Mountains!)

Depending on when you choose to ride, there may or may not be a wait to board the tram. Older kids can kill time by perusing the gift shop or checking out the historic ski lifts in the courtyard area. If you’ve got little ones in tow, it may be wise to bring some snacks and entertainment to pass the time. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier as well as evenings when many people ride the tram to the fine dining restaurant atop the mountain. We rode the tram mid-day on a Thursday and, with reduced capacity for Covid, waited around 35 minutes for our ride.

Once it’s your turn, be prepared to be amazed. Your ascent to 10,378 feet above sea level will take around 15-minutes and will be narrated by a knowledgeable tram operator. You’ll soar high above ravines and treetops while your operator explains the historical and natural wonders that the Sandia Mountains hold. The seven-year-old that was in our party exclaimed that the ride up was “like a dream come true!” While the ride alone is enough to make the trip worthwhile, there are also a variety of activities available once you reach the top.

Summer is the ideal season for hiking atop the Sandias. You’ll find that the trails are dry and the temperatures are cool and comfortable. We recommend the Kiwanis Cabin hike. It’s an easy, 2-mile hike that will take you to a stone cabin built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Hikers will also be rewarded with a stunning, unobstructed view of the city of Albuquerque. If you’re looking for something slightly shorter, the Peak Nature Trail is a more manageable .3 mile hike that highlights the ecosystem of the Sandia Mountains.

Hiking trails are available all year round but depending on when you’re visiting, you’ll want to bring the right shoes. Since the top of the mountain can be around 20 degrees cooler than the desert below, snow and ice remain present from late fall to early spring, so you’ll need shoes with ice grips. If you are going in the late spring, be prepared for wet conditions as the snow melts. You’ll want to wear shoes that can handle some mud.

If you’re going in the winter, take advantage of the fully equipped ski area at the peak (you’ll have to purchase additional lift tickets). You can even rent skis, snowboards, and helmets. Be sure to check the website for conditions and opening information!

If you’re not planning on hiking or skiing, we recommend taking advantage of TEN 3 restaurant that sits atop the mountain. The restaurant is open for casual dining (including a kids' menu) Thursday-Monday from 11:00 AM-8:00 PM and for fine dining (reservations required) Thursday-Monday 5:00 PM-8:00 PM. Make a day of it by riding the tram up, enjoying lunch with a view, and then heading back down!

For those with small children, strollers are permitted on the tram and walkways at the top of the mountain. (Given that the tram can sometimes be tight, I would personally recommend a front-facing baby carrier). Bathrooms with changing tables are also available at both the upper and lower stations of the tramway.

The tram operates year-round apart from two weeks in April and two weeks in November for maintenance. However, be aware that severe weather conditions can impact operations. If winds exceed a safe level, tram service will be suspended until safer conditions resume. If your visit is interrupted due to weather, you are welcome to exchange your tickets for a ride on another day.

As mentioned, the top of the mountain is much cooler than the city below. We found that we were comfortable after donning an additional light sweater during our trip in early April, but you will definitely want to pack additional layers if you are visiting anytime between late fall and early spring.

Whether you are an Albuquerque native that’s never been or a visitor to the area, a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway is an absolute must. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you and your littles won’t soon forget!