Sandia Crest Scenic Highway

The Sandia Crest Scenic Highway is a breathtaking 13.6-mile mountain drive that winds through evergreen forests to 10,678 feet elevation, offering families an easy adventure with spectacular views of Albuquerque and beyond. Multiple pullouts and picnic areas along the route let you explore at your own pace, making it perfect for families who want scenic beauty without strenuous hiking.

• ✓Dramatic elevation gain from pinon-juniper forest to alpine spruce-fir forest
• ✓Panoramic views stretching over 11,000 square miles on clear days
• ✓Wildlife spotting opportunities including deer, squirrels, and various bird species
• ✓Multiple scenic pullouts perfect for family photos
• ✓Educational interpretive signs about the mountain ecosystem

1. 1.Stop at the Tinkertown Museum at the base of the highway for a quirky pre-drive attraction kids love
2. 2.Bring layers and jackets,it can be 20-30 degrees cooler at the crest than in Albuquerque, even in summer
3. 3.Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic pullouts rather than waiting until the crowded crest summit
4. 4.Download a forest identification guide and turn the drive into a nature scavenger hunt as the landscape changes
5. 5.Fill up on gas before starting,there are no services along the entire route

Early morning on weekdays offers the clearest views and smallest crowds. Fall (September-October) provides stunning golden aspen colors, while summer mornings offer relief from Albuquerque's heat. Avoid weekend afternoons when traffic and parking can be congested.

The drive is free and the road is paved and well-maintained, though winding with steep drop-offs. No food or restroom facilities exist along the route until you reach Sandia Crest House at the top. The road is occasionally closed in winter due to snow and ice.

Winter closures are common during snowstorms (typically December-March). Fall foliage peaks in late September through early October. Summer thunderstorms often develop in afternoons, so morning visits are safer. Spring can be windy but offers wildflower blooms at lower elevations.

The Sandia Crest House gift shop and café at the summit serves sandwiches, snacks, and hot drinks with indoor seating. For a full meal, head back down to Cedar Crest where you'll find family-friendly options like the Greenside Café or pack a picnic before starting your drive.