carolstein

We are planning on driving up the Sandia Crest Road. I know it is about 14 miles but how long would it take to drive this road and is it very difficult. I also know there are places to stop along the way for picnics and views. We are planning on doing this but if we were to drive straight to the crest, how long would it take? Thanks.

obxgirl

There are places to stop and some of the views are really spectacular. If you have the time, check out Tinkertown. It's a hoot.

Regarding the drive, I have height issues and for me the curves and steepness were excruciating. I don't know how long it took but it felt like a lifetime. My DH had no problems with the drive although you do need to be on the lookout for cyclists. It's a popular road for bikers.

The view from the top on a clear day is amazing.

roothy123

I don't remember how long it took us, but certainly not more than a half to 3/4 of a day, including stops to browse, eat lunch, etc. We did not find the drive the least bit challenging or scary, but then we're not afraid of heights. I wouldn't personally worry about a thing unless you ARE. The roads for the most part are absolutely fine - curvy in places, but not bad. I have always wanted to go to Tinkertown, but haven't made it yet. We just meander up, stopping at the little towns to browse a little, and come down. The better drive, in my opinion, is the High Road to Taos, assuming you aren't afraid of a few iffy places for driving in terms of curves, heights, and iffy roads. The sanctuary at Chimayo is a charmer, and the views around Truchas are much better than those on the Turquoise Trail. On the downside, however, it is more of a whole day trip, and, as I mentioned, in a few places the driving is a little scary for those afraid of heights.

DebitNM

It is not a long drive, even if you stop to look at scenery, though the best views are at the top. As a local, I am not put off by driving on steep, narrow, winding roads, but this really is a pretty tame road by comparison.

You could take the tram up to the top to see the view, but the base in on the western side of the Sandias. You might dislike the ride even more than being in the car. There aren't lots of places to stop along the drive up where you can get out and walk around, more like pullouts where you can stop for a few minutues, snap a picture or 2 and head on.

Not sure if there is a real picnic place along the way, but you can do that at the top. There are bears up theres, so I wouldn't just picnic on a stop along the road. Think about having lunch at the Mine Shaft Tavern. It is a funky, old bar that the miners frequented. They have great Elk Greenchili Cheeseburgers. It is in the town of Madrid [pronounce MAD rid, not like the city in Spain]. Interesting little shops, and be sure to watch the glass blower. He is amazing, I own 2 of his works and they are beautiful. His name is Al Leedom. http://www.alleedom.com/

I don't imagine it would take more than 30 - 40 minutes to get to top. For a more rugged adventure, drive down through Placitas. It is really nice, but won't get you back to Turquiose Trail.

Happy Travels.
Deb

carolstein

thanks for the replies. We have one full day in Albuquerque. We were there in 1997 and took the cable car to the top of Sandia Crest. Thought it would be interesting to drive over to route 14 and drive to the top. The following day we leave for Taos so we will start out on the same route but at that point we can bypass that area and just head straight for Madrid. Enjoyed that last time and will look around again. The continue on our way up Turquoise Trail bypassing Santa Fe and to Taos. The high road to Taos would take too long after making stops along the way.