best view without hiking (or tramming) (Albuquerque, Placitas: new home, neighborhood, safe)

[docmommaCA]

I am coming to ABQ for a weekend, and am not sure I will have time for the tram ride. Is there an overlook somewhere where I can drive and park and see a great view? Somewhere safe enough were a woman can watch a sunset and not be bothered??

Thanks!

[mortimer]

two options:

(1) Watch the sunset from Ellena Gallegos picnic area:

sunset 4/5/06 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/superdavenm/128541852/in/photostream/ - broken link)
Ellena Gallegos park on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58969260@N00/128541269/ - broken link)

More pictures available upon search in Flickr

(2) Watch the mountains turn color and the city lights come on from 9-Mile Hill

mesa-metro-mountains on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/skyracer25/1977349410/ - broken link)
Sunset over 9 Mile Hill on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24978846@N00/117230430 - broken link)
View photo - Albuquerque from below Nine Mile Hill

There used to be a great rest stop there, but it is closed.
You can work your way around the N of I-40 and find a decent location to see the show.
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If you only get to do one, I recommend (2)

[abqsunport]

Really easy, go on tramway, when it starts to curve (Very furthest sport north of the city) there is a rd called Forest road 333 (or something like that) turn on that, and on your right (almost immediately) you will see a little dirt turn off. It used to be my spot to romance the ladies. However, a tram is actually pretty quick. You can also go up to the bar at the top of Sandia Casion (Tramway and I-25) It has some great views. Best of luck, hope some of this helps.

[nmguy]

There's a pretty good spot for doing this in Placitas.

Head north from Abq., take Exit 242 and head east about 4 miles. Turn left on Overlook Road and take it until it ends (about 2 miles).

Get out of your car and walk in a westerly direction. Stop when you say to yourself, "Geeze, this is a great view". You're in the right place.

[Merlander]

I would 2nd Mortimer's suggestion of Elena Gallegos Picnic Area. We go there all the time - the views are great and nobody bothers you. Even after you leave the park, you will still get to see the city light views as you drive down the hill towards Tramway.

http://www.cabq.gov/openspace/elenagallegos.html

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by nmguy

There's a pretty good spot for doing this in Placitas.

Head north from Abq., take Exit 242 and head east about 4 miles. Turn left on Overlook Road and take it until it ends (about 2 miles).

Get out of your car and walk in a westerly direction. Stop when you say to yourself, "Geeze, this is a great view". You're in the right place.

Here is a google map to the area, the neighborhood appears to be called "The Overlook". Lot of new homes in the area, have not driven up the road, called Overlook Dr.

Overlook Rd. in Placitas

Take NM-165 E from exit 242 from I-25. Head east on NM-165 E for 5.2 miles, look for Overlook Rd.

[Cactus Hibs]

For what it's worth, the tram ride only takes about 15 minutes each way; it's not really not too much bigger a time investment than many of the suggested drives and certainly a more unique experience.

[N8!]

Drive up the eastside of the Sandias and watch the sunset from the observation deck at the peak - 100 yds from the parking lot.