Need driving directions to backside of Sandia (Albuquerque, Placitas: live in, restaurant) - New Mexico (NM) - City-Data Forum

New 2 Abq · 07-23-2011, 11:56 AM

How do I get to the backside of Sandia? Google maps is worthless. When you put in the Sandia Ski Area, it'll only give directions to the tram. Also, is there an address on the backside of the mountain I could put in for GPS?

Zoidberg · 07-23-2011, 12:00 PM

I-40 East, NM 14 North, NM 536 West (Sandia Crest Rd).

(Assuming you want the other end of the tram, High Finance restaurant, etc., and not Sandia Base.

Google offered no addresses to help. You really don't need a GPS, just follow the signs and be patient. It's all paved.

N8! · 07-23-2011, 12:02 PM

Here ya go:

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Al...p=1&sz=14&z=11

New 2 Abq · 07-23-2011, 12:10 PM

Thanks. Also, are their trails on the frontside worth hiking? I know about La Luz, but don't have time for it today. Looking for a hike under 3 hours roundtrip.

mortimer · 07-23-2011, 03:10 PM

I'll add that although Zoidberg recommended an all paved road, you can also take a good
gravel road all the way around the N side into Placitas. It is slow going, but might be fun.

The Piño trail out of Elena Gallegos might be a 3-hour trip.

Note that you can just hike up the La Luz for about 1:45 hours and
then turn around and be back at your car in your 3 hours budget.

Also note that if it is hot, you can hike the crest trail from where you
park your car. If it is 95 in town, it might only be 75 on that trail.

It's clearly marked where the trail crosses the parking area.

Stanrice · 07-23-2011, 03:16 PM

http://www.sandiahiking.com/

Sandia Mountain Hiking Guide: Trails

List of trails with lots of information on each one

nmguy · 07-23-2011, 04:00 PM

I live in Placitas, and several of my neighbors have hiked from here to the Tram.

If interested in doing this, take Hwy 165 for about 6 miles, then turn right on Tunnel Road. Take Tunnel Road all the way to the end --about a mile-- and start hiking. You should reach the tram area in about 4-5 hours. Trails are well marked.

ABQConvict · 07-24-2011, 11:40 AM

Get a map. A paper one. They must still make those things. I have one that pre-dates both Googlemaps and GPS.

:-)