Above the Clouds: Sandia Peak Tramway

K had a wonderful opportunity after a long day of conference work to enjoy the splendor of the Sandia Peak Tramway this past fall.  Close to Albuquerque, New Mexico, the tramway and its staff made for a stunning evening outing with truly can't miss views.

The tram, which can tote skiers, sightseers, and hikers, is a 15-minute-each-way ride across beautiful chasms of pinkish-hued rocks.  Boulders look like pebbles, and from the top of the mountain, you are literally above the clouds.  It sounds simple, but the views are beyond words.  At the top, you can walk around, although there is also an enclosed shelter from which you can take in some views.  The most adventurous, fit, and time-flexible can also hike up or down the mountain--but one would need to be well-prepared for a strenuous hike and weather changes to do so.  Those well-prepared can even hike out to the small stone house you see in the photo below--look closely.

By talking with the gregarious, interesting staff, K found out lots of "workplace culture" items that indulged her curiosity.  For instance, employees ride the trams atop them to help conquer fears of heights, and an employee remains in the shelter at the top overnight each day in case of stranded hikers.  From the top of the mountain, you are a good two hours from emergency services or the like absent the tram, and the staff has to be prepared for a little bit of everything.  Several of the employees shared interesting stories, including the gate attendant who was a retired engineer.  Ask them plenty of questions, but dress a little more warmly than K did.

If you go, do not plan your trip for a tight time frame.  Variable weather conditions resulted in high winds that kept K at the top of the mountain in the shelter there for around an extra hour.  It was a pleasant time, but it would have been tough to manage if also juggling getting ready for a flight, dinner plans, and the like.  Go when you have extra time, just in case.  And yes, they are serious that the temperature at the top may be a solid 30 degrees or so cooler than the temperature at the base, and the wind will be higher as well.  Dress accordingly, especially if you want to walk a bit.  Consider calling ahead to check weather conditions at the park.  If you do not like confined spaces or crowds, try working with the staff to time your tram ride for a less crowded "flight." There is a gift shop as well as a restaurant on site at the base, but they are redeveloping the restaurant formerly "at the top" of the mountain (it was closed at the time of this visit).