Sandia Crest is a mile above the surrounding countryside and 2 miles above sea
level. The all- weather, paved Sandia Crest Highway (NM 536) is the highest
scenic drive in the southwest. The Sandia Mountains were created by an uplift,
leaving the forested eastern slope you'll drive up, and a craggy, cliff-like
western face. Part of the Cibola National Forest, the Sandias are home to
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, black bear and many other mammals and
birds -- including the golden eagles you may see soaring at the Crest. To
experience some of the many moods of the Crest, we recommend an afternoon hike
along the trails. Then relax awhile at the Sandia Crest House Gift Shop and
Restaurant. Stay to enjoy the sunset -- sometimes spectacular! -- and the
incredible night view of the city lights and starry skies.

Sandia Crest is a mile above the surrounding countryside and 2 miles above sea level. The all- weather, paved Sandia Crest Highway (NM 536) is the highest scenic drive in the southwest. The Sandia

Mountains were created by an uplift, leaving the forested eastern slope you'll drive up, and a craggy, cliff-like western face. Part of the Cibola National Forest, the Sandias are home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, black bear and many other

mammals and birds -- including the golden eagles you may see

soaring at the Crest. To experience some of the many moods of the

Crest, we recommend an afternoon hike along the trails. Then relax

awhile at the Sandia Crest House Gift Shop and Restaurant. Stay to

enjoy the sunset -- sometimes spectacular! -- and the

incredible night view of the city lights and starry skies.

Sandia Crest Byway

Directions

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