Sandia Crest Road
NM 536Sandia Park to Sandia Crest · New Mexico
Distance8.0mi · 12.9 km
Drive time16 minon the road
DifficultyModerate
MountainForest
A switchback climb to a 10,600 ft crest above Albuquerque.
NM 536 climbs the back of the Sandia Mountains to the crest at over 10,600 ft, winding up through pine forest to a vast view over Albuquerque and the high desert beyond. Mind the ice and snow in the colder months, the cyclists, and the long descent.
Where it runs
Sandia ParkStart · New Mexico
Sandia CrestEnd · United States
Character
Corners34bends
Tightness5of 10
Max gradient7%≈ 1-in-14
Hairpins0tight bends
Climb701 mtotal ascent
Summit3245 mhighest point · 10646 ft
SpringSummerAutumn
Elevation
681 m rangeKnow before you go
- Ice and snow in the colder months
- Cyclists on the climbs
- Long descent
Along the road
- viewpoint Madera Overlook
- viewpoint Upper La Cueva Canyon, La Luz Overlook
Sources
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Sandia Crest Road.
