Sandia Mountain Wilderness – Image Gallery
Sandia Mountain Wilderness
The Sandia Mountain Wilderness offers rugged beauty and spectacular views just outside of Albuquerque.
Details
Sandia Mountain Wilderness
The Sandia Mountain Wilderness is a pristine and rugged area located in central New Mexico, just east of Albuquerque. This wilderness area covers over 37,000 acres of land, encompassing the Sandia Mountains and the surrounding foothills. One of the most prominent features of the Sandia Mountain Wilderness is the Sandia Crest, which rises to an elevation of over 10,000 feet. The Sandia Mountains are known for their dramatic cliffs, deep canyons, and diverse plant and animal life. Visitors to the wilderness can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The ecological significance of the Sandia Mountain Wilderness cannot be understated. The area is home to a wide range of ecosystems, including pine forests, aspen groves, meadows, and riparian areas. This diversity of habitats supports a rich variety of plant and animal species, many of which are rare or endangered. Protecting the Sandia Mountain Wilderness is crucial for maintaining the health of these ecosystems and ensuring the survival of the plants and animals that call this area home. Visitors to the wilderness are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on the environment and help preserve this beautiful and unique landscape for future generations.Sandia Mountain Wilderness
Points of Interest
Sandia Mountain Wilderness
1. Sandia Peak Tramway
The Sandia Peak Tramway is a popular attraction in the Sandia Mountain Wilderness. It is the longest aerial tramway in North America, taking visitors on a breathtaking ride up the mountain to the 10,378-foot summit of Sandia Peak. The tramway offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a must-see for visitors to the area.
2. La Luz Trail
The La Luz Trail is a challenging hiking trail that winds its way through the Sandia Mountain Wilderness. The trail is approximately 7 miles long and offers hikers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the city of Albuquerque below. The trail is popular with hikers of all skill levels and is a great way to experience the beauty of the wilderness.
3. Sandia Crest
Sandia Crest is the highest point in the Sandia Mountain Wilderness, standing at an elevation of 10,678 feet. Visitors can drive to the summit and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the city of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley. There are also hiking trails and picnic areas at the summit, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Cibola National Forest
The Sandia Mountain Wilderness is located within the Cibola National Forest, which spans over 1.6 million acres in New Mexico. The forest offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors to the Sandia Mountain Wilderness can explore the diverse ecosystems of the forest and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the wilderness.
Overall, the Sandia Mountain Wilderness offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike, a scenic tram ride, or simply a peaceful escape from the city, the wilderness has something for everyone.
Sandia Mountain Wilderness – Images
Description: Spray settling in the canyons after the plane's pass. Tussock moth spray job, Sandia Mountains, Cibola National Forest, New Mexico. Photo by: Dick Kent Date: June 1960 Credit: National Archives and Records Administration RG# 95-GP.Records of the Forest Service. General Subject Files. USDA Forest Service Negative Number: 495024 NARA image: 95-GP-5043-Box0855_003_001_AC For related historic forest entomology photos, stories, and resources see the Western Forest Insect Work Conference site: <a href="http://wfiwc.org/content/history-and-resources" rel="nofollow">wfiwc.org/content/history-and-resources</a> Image provided by USDA Forest Service, R6, State and Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection: <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r6/forest-grasslandhealth/" rel="nofollow">www.fs.usda.gov/main/r6/forest-grasslandhealth/</a>.
Image by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: A member of the Santa Fe Club finishes the Women’s Slalom on Sandia Mountain.
Image by U.S. Forest Service-Cibola National Forest – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Yapashi Pueblo is in the wilderness zone of the park and only accessible by trail, up and down two canyons. It is in the 'original' condition and has not been excavated at this time. On the horizon is Sandia Crest (10,678 ft) on the east side of the Albuquerque
Image by Chris Light – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia
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