Albuquerque area hiking offers a range of nature experiences including mountain hiking at various elevations in the Sandia Mountains. We ventured up to Sandia Crest within the Cibola National Forest during our road trip along the Turquoise Trail. Quickly enamored by the view we knew that we would have to return for further exploration, so we once again explored the following morning. Both visits solidified our admiration of the natural beauty of the Sandia Mountains and Cibola National Forest.
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| Breathtaking view from Sandia Crest. |
Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands encompasses an incredible 1.9 acres of nature. The preserve contains four different "sky island" ranger districts -- Sandia, Mt. Taylor, Mountainair, and Magdalena. On our first visit, we wound up the mountain to Sandia Crest. While winding our way up, we spotted a striking landscape with views. We appreciated taking a slow pace up the mountain to take in her treasures.
Views from Among the Clouds at Sandia Crest
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| A striking view from Sandia Crest as the folds of mountains add texture above the valley. The bristles of evergreens and shrubs frame the scene and dot the mountains. |
Once we reached Sandia Crest, we quickly began to head to the top platform for a view. An interesting thing about this mountain -- the highest point is a crest or ridge rather than a summit. Exploring the area, my husband and I both felt the best views of the mountain landscape and Albuquerque below was actually from the ramp up to the platform rather than the platform itself. Sandia Crest rests at 10,678 feet in elevation -- views indeed!
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| View of the valley and Albuquerque from Sandia Crest. |
Every angle of the view provides a different experience from the edgy blue folds of the mountains, the valley below full of the chunk-a-block buildings of Albuquerque, brushy vegetation, and sand.
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| A rocky trail marks the nature trail at Sandia Crest. |
Not too far from the observation platform, down below the station is a short nature trail that familiarizes visitors with the mountain's plants and trees. We savored the short hike before returning to our full adventure for the day -- the Turquoise Trail.
Hiking the 10K Trail in Cibola National Forest
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| The first yellows of fall and bristly evergreens frame a mountain and valley view from the 10K Trail in Cibola National Forest. |
We returned the next morning to hike part of the 10k Trail. Hiking at a lower elevation than the crest, we still admired such a fabulous view. Breathtaking. The yellows of fall had just begun to emerge adding some brilliant paint strokes from nature.
The rocky nature of the trail added a little challenge but we enjoyed it. We discovered all sorts of offshoots and wings of the trail to explore. I would recommend using hiking sticks for this trail so that you can better enjoy it with more sure footing.
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| The crimson petals of Indian paintbrush contrasted with the green/brown surroundings in one section of Cibola National Forest. |
Along the trails, we reveled in lofty pines contrasting with dainty wildflowers. I spotted the crimson flame of Indian paintbrush. We also spied a lizard that we think to be a short horned lizard. I followed a trail into a grove of pines where I discovered the whisps of a bearded lichen. As you can see, our hike proved quite fruitful so keep your eyes open on the 10K Trail!
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| A bearded lichen drapes from an evergreen in Cibola National Forest. |
The fall morning hiking on the 10K Trail offered us a peaceful respite in nature. Our Sandia Mountain hike was certainly full of enchantment and provided a highlight of the trip.
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| Mule deer wandering in Cibola National Forest. |
On our way back down the mountain, we did spot a family of mule deer with their characteristic large ears. Such a sweet way to cap off our adventure in Cibola National Forest as well as a reminder to slow down and be mindful of nature -- while appreciating everything the forest unfolds.
Tips for hiking in Cibola National Forest:
- Learn about bear and mountain lion safety before heading out.
- Familiarize yourself with the snakes of the region.
- Bring water.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Wear layers -- we noted a temperature change during our hike and had to remove layers.
- You will need to pay for parking so watch for the day pass boxes.
- Plan your hiking routes.
- Let someone know where you will be.
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