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The World’s Longest Aerial Tramway

Take a ride on the world’s longest aerial tramway and delight in the deep canyons and breathtaking terrain at Sandia Peak Tramway during a Santa Fe bus tour. Whether you’re interested in the history, the sights, or looking for an adventure, you can find it at Sandia Peak Tramway.

Inspired by Robert Nordhaus, one of the owners of Sandia Peak Ski Company, this remarkable structure took several years of planning and after finally being constructed over a 24 month period and going through 60 days of strenuous testing, the tramway took its first riders up the Sandia Peak on May 7, 1966.

Climb aboard the world’s largest aerial tram and journey to the top of Sandia Peak for panoramic views of the surrounding Rio Grande Valley during your two hour tour on the Sandia Peak Tramway. Since opening in 1966, the tramway has safely carried over nine million visitors to the top of Sandia Peak and back down again.

Sandia Peak Tramway Aerial Ride Sandia Peak Tramway Aerial Ride
Sandia Peak Tramway Aerial Ride Distant View Dazzling View of Surrounding Mountains
Sandia Peak Tramway Aerial Ride Mountain View Mountain View of the Tramway

The Visitor Center

Begin your time at Sandia Peak Tramway in the Visitor Center, home to the New Mexico Ski Museum. While the Sandia Peaks are the perfect place to hike and bike in the warm months of the summer, they transform into a winter wonderland during the months of winter. Through photographs, artifacts and other displays, discover how skiing developed and evolved at the Sandia Peak Tramway’s New Mexico Ski Museum. Don’t forget to check out the Ski Hall of Fame, an exhibit that honors 15 individuals who had a significant impact on New Mexico’s ski industry.

 

 Sandia Peak Tramway

After you’ve explored the New Mexico Ski Museum, head outdoors to the tramway’s base terminal and climb aboard the Sandia Peak Tramway. Located on the eastern edge of Albuquerque, the Sandia Peak Tramway ascends 4,000 feet in a mere 15 minutes.  While the tram itself is an engineering marvel, most guests travel on the Sandia Peak Tramway for the remarkable views.

 

Nature and Wildlife

As you glide along the western face of Sandia Mountain take in the scenery, from the cliffs and pinnacles to the variety of trees, the Sandia Peak Tramway allows guests to see the abundance of nature in the New Mexico Mountains. Wildlife can also be easy to spot, so watch out for eagles, deer and even black bears.

 

The Observation Deck

Once you’ve reached 10, 378 feet, step out of the cable car and onto the peak’s observation deck. Known for its panoramic views of 11,000 square miles of the, “Land of Enchantment”, the sights from atop Sandia Peak are unparalleled to any other. Look to the west across the Rio Grande and a volcano field to see Mount Taylor 100 miles in the distance, volcanic necks and plugs can be seen to the north, look to the east for a view of Sandia’s wooded backside, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and New Mexico’s capital city Santa Fe and to the south for views of Estancia Valley and the Manzano Mountains.

 

Dine at the Top

Dine at the High Finance Restaurant at the top of Sandia Peak. Directly adjacent to the top tram terminal, its gorgeous bar and fine woodwork make it worthy of its name. The scenic views can be enjoyed from any table in the house.

 

Dine at the Bottom

For a bite to eat, Sandiago's Mexican Grill sits at the bottom of the Sandia Peak and offers a fun dining experience.  The vibrant colors and Latin music playing in the background will put a smile on your face as you walk in the door. The incredible views of the town are just an added bonus.

Travel Tips

  • Sandia Peak Tramway is wheelchair accessible.

 

  • Don’t forget your camera. From the panoramic views of the surrounding area to the abundant nature, there will be moments you want to capture during your time at Sandia Peak Tramway.

 

  • Ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear. While it may be warm at the bottom of the Sandia Peaks, temperatures can drop significantly as you climb the mountain, so ensure you bring something to keep you warm.

Don’t miss out on the world’s longest aerial tramway.