Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway

Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway Review

Tramway cars climb 2.7 mi up the steep western face of the Sandias, giving you a close-up view of red rocks and tall trees—it's the world's longest aerial tramway. From the observation deck at the 10,378-foot summit you can see Santa Fe to the northeast and Los Alamos to the northwest—about 11,000 square mi of spectacular scenery. Tram cars leave from the base at regular intervals for the 15-minute ride to the top. You may see birds of prey soaring above or mountain lions roaming the cliff sides. An exhibit room at the top surveys the wildlife and landscape of the mountain. Narrators point out what you're seeing below, including the barely visible remnants of a 1953 plane crash that killed all 16 passengers onboard. If you want to add a meal to the excursion, there's the upscale High Finance Restaurant (505/243-9742. www.highfinancerestaurant.com) on top of the mountain (serving steaks, lobster tail, and good burgers at lunch), and a more casual spot, Sandiago's (505/856-6692. www.sandiagos.com), at the tram's base. High Finance affords clear views from every table, making it a favorite destination for a romantic dinner—the food isn't bad, but it's more about the scenic experience here. It's much colder and windier at the summit than at the tram's base, so pack a jacket. You can also use the tram as a way to reach the Sandia Peak ski and mountain-biking area.