The Sandia Peak Tramway in New Mexico spans 2.7 miles. That makes it the longest tramway in the nation. It’s also Albuquerque’s top attraction on Tripadvisor. And for good reason.
Some tramways are like amusement park rides: you line up for hours and are rewarded with a 60-second ride. That’s not the case here. The cars move at 12 miles per hour so the journey lasts for 15 minutes.
There’s plenty of time to absorb views like this.
And watch the ground get further and further away.
You rise 3,819 feet up to Sandia Peak, which is at an elevation of 10,378 feet.
The temperature can be 30 degrees colder up here. Be sure to bring layers.
Once at the top, Albuquerque and the surrounding areas stretch out below you, until the city gives way to empty land. You can see for miles.
The view is extraordinary at sunset.
From here, you can hike along trails through the Cibola National Forest.
Or grab a bite to eat at Ten 3, where you can dine high above the world.
Ten 3 replaced the former peak-top restaurant, High Finance. It still offers the same incredible views and dining experience.
You definitely want a reservation if you’re dining at Ten 3.
Call (505) 764-8363 or book online here.
You can ride the tramway in any season, although it does close for about a week for maintenance in November and April.
During fall, you can view the foliage from above.
It’s also stunning in winter.
The Sandia Peak Tramway was manufactured by a Swiss firm called Bell Engineering, back in 1966. So it’s been running for 50 years!
It cost $2 million to build and the design is unusual because there are only two support towers.
This photo was taken on the day that it first opened!
The tram runs every 20-30 minutes. Here’s some information on operating hours and ticket prices, to help with planning.
This attraction is wheelchair accessible.
You can’t take pets or bikes in the cars.
The Tram Cam snaps a picture of the top of the tramway every five minutes.
The Sandia Peak Tramway in New Mexico is located just outside of Albuquerque.
Have you ridden on the country’s longest tramway? Would you want to?
For an instant aerial perspective on New Mexico, check out this footage.
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