How long does it take to hike the La Luz?

five hours
If you complete the hike as described, you are in for five hours (or more) of strenuous hiking. You are also in for spectacular views and true sense of accomplishment for having hiked the trail. Please stay on the trail. Every year lost hikers are searched for and rescued on the La Luz Trail, with and without injury.

Where do you park for La Luz Trail?

  • This trail at the north end of the Sandias goes from the base of the mountain to the peak at 10,678′.
  • Parking fees are $3 and parking is generally good and easy to find places.
  • Sandia Ranger District 11776 HWY 337 TIJERAS, NM 87059 Phone: 505-281-3304.
  • Take I25 North to Exit at Tramway Blvd.

How far is the La Luz Trail?

7.5 miles
The La Luz Trail is one of the best known trails in the Sandia Mountains. It is also one of the most challenging. The trail goes from hot desert landscape to cool Canadian forest, for a length of 7.5 miles one way. The elevation gain is 3,200 vertical feet.

How long does it take to hike Sandia Peak?

Plan your hike up the trail for sunset and ride the tram down. over a year ago. over a year ago. If you look at earlier reviews other people have mentioned 4-5 hours for the hike.

How often does the Sandia Tram Run?

every 15-30 minutes
There are two Tram cars and they run every 15-30 minutes, they DO NOT run on a timed schedule. Once you board, its a 15 minute ride to the peak (upper terminal), where you will need to get off and can enjoy the views, go hiking, check out the TEN 3 restaurant, see the visitor’s center and go skiing in the winter.

What is the elevation of Sandia Peak?

3,255 m
Sandia Mountains/Elevation

Are the Sandia Mountains volcanic?

The Sandias, produced by volcanic activity and erosion, are about 20-miles in length. There are two distinct peaks – North Sandia Peak, 10,678 feet, and South Sandia Peak, 9,782 feet. Its summits are the 10,098-foot Manzano Peak and the 10,003-foot Osha Peak.

Is Sandia Tram running today?

Sandia Peak Tramway is open year-round but is closed for two weeks in April and November for maintenance. TEN 3 hours will change to coincide with the tram winter and summer schedule. Sandia Peak Tram and Ski operate under permit with the Cibola National Forest.

What is the longest Tram in the world?

Tatev tramway
RIA Novosti reports that the Tatev tramway takes the title of longest tramway from the 2.48-mile Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque*, New Mexico. The Tatev tramway officially opened at the end of October.

Is Sandia Tram the longest?

RIA Novosti reports that the Tatev tramway takes the title of longest tramway from the 2.48-mile Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque*, New Mexico.

Are the Sandias part of the Rockies?

The mountains are just due south of the southern terminus of the Rocky Mountains, and are part of the Sandia–Manzano Mountains. This is largely within the Cibola National Forest and protected as the Sandia Mountain Wilderness….

Sandia Mountains
Borders on Albuquerque, NM

Why is it called the Sandia Mountains?

It is believed that the name Sandia (Spanish: “Watermelon”) was given to the mountains for the pinkish colour of their granite peaks, although an alternative explanation is that the native peoples of the valley were given that name for their abundant crops of squash, the name later being transferred to the mountain …

How to get to the La Luz trail?

To get La Luz Trailhead & ultimately La Luz Trail, take Tramway Blvd and drive to Forest Road 333, (there is a sign for Juan Tabo Picnic area and La Luz Trail at the turn). Turn east toward the mountain and follow Forest Road 333 until you see two rock pillars to your right.

Where is the Tramway trail in New Mexico?

Sandia Mountain Wilderness. Tramway Trail is a 5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Albuquerque, New Mexico that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October.

Where is the tram to the top of Sandia Peak?

Ride the tram to the top of the mountain to hike the trails at the top. Ride the tram down. Hike a trail up to the top of the mountain. Ride the tram down. Begins at La Luz Trailhead and ends at the Crest Trail 130 near the Sandia Peak Tram Upper Terminal.

How many miles from La Luz to Sandia Crest House?

Went from the lower La Luz trailhead to the Sandia Crest House trailhead – about 8.5 miles, close to 4000 feet elevation gain, and about 4.5 hours. Upper half of trail is more difficult – lots of switchbacks across boulder fields, plus the altitude is higher and legs will be tired.