Sandia Mountains

The Sandia Mountains are mountain range located in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties, immediately to the Northeast of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Sandia Range is largely within Cibola National Forest. The highest point is Sandia Crest at 10,678 ft (3,255 m). South Sandia Peak is 9,702 ft (2,957 m) in elevation.

Related Topics:
Mountain range - Bernalillo - Sandoval - Albuquerque - New Mexico - Cibola National Forest

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sandia means watermelon in Spanish, and is a reference to the red color of the mountains at sunset. The spanish also noted that the many trees, being green in the winter time, made the peak look like the rind of a watermeleon, hence part of the name.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Sandia Peak Tramway goes to the top of the Sandia Mountains and provides access to the Sandia Peak Ski Area and recreation areas on the East side of the mountains.

Related Topics:
Sandia Peak Tramway - Sandia Peak Ski Area

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Sandia Cave is believed to have been inhabited 10000 to 12000 years ago by the Sandia Man. The cave can be accessed via a 1/2 mile trail near Placitas, New Mexico.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~