Driving up the north side of the Sandia mountains is a quick way to get up to the crest, which has impressive and normally crystal clear views of all of Albuquerque, and the surrounding desert area, including the volcanoes. It takes an hour or more to drive up, but it's a great chance to stop at the little towns on the way up. From the crest there are lots of hiking, biking, and skiing options (check the Cibola Forest website for trails) or there are picnic tables and benches to just sit.
Things to do
In one of the winding turns on the road up to Sandia Peak overlooking Albuquerque this quirky little museum is hidden away. Here a wooden and recycled materials structure made by circus-flier-artist Ross Ward is filled with his creations, which vary from whole western scenes of carved characters that interact when you press a button (or insert a coin) to circus fliers and his collections of strange dolls and old arcade toys.
Adults $3.00
"I made all this while you were watching TV." - R. Ward
During the winter these are normal ski area chairlifts, but they've opened them up in the summer as well so you can get great views of the green east side of the Sandia mountains. You can ride the chairlift roundtrip, or go up to mountain bike down (rentals available at the top), or hike.
Open in July and August and during the balloon fiesta.
One way trip $7 or $10 for round trip, check website for bike rental rates.
