The forested 10,500ft peaks of the Sandia Crest tower over Albuquerque to the east, affording particularly beautiful views from the top at and after sunset, when the city lights sparkle below. In summer it's a good 25°F cooler up here than in the valley, and in winter you can go downhill or cross-country skiing (lift tickets $34 per day; tel 505/242-9133). If you don't want to drive the scenic but twisting twenty-mile route from Albuquerque, take the Sandia Peak Tramway (daily: summer 9am-10pm; rest of year shorter hours; $15), the world's longest single-span tramway at 2.7 miles; it leaves from the end of Tramway Road at the city's northeast edge.

Sandia Crest

• Sandia Crest

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