Sandia Crest
Viewpoint · New Mexico
A scenic byway switchbacks to Albuquerque's 10,678-foot skyline ridge, where aspen groves color the upper slopes and the summit deck looks west over the entire Rio Grande Valley. The Sandia Peak Tramway reaches the same summit from the city below.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 12–October 16
Color builds from September 29 · mostly bare by November 3
Sampled at Sandia Crest’s own coordinates and elevation (3245 m) rather than a regional average.
New Mexico is sampled at 51 weather points, then moved 5 days earlier so the model agrees with 2 published peak dates from krqe.com. New Mexico is running 2 days earlier than its own average this year. How the forecast works
When to go to Sandia Crest
Good color holds through about October 22, giving you roughly 23 days from the first turn to past peak. That runs roughly 8 days earlier than the rest of New Mexico. The 10,646 ft elevation accounts for most of the difference.
It sits inside Albuquerque, so you can fit it into an afternoon.
Sandia Crest on the map
Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of New Mexico, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.
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Frequently asked
- When does Sandia Crest peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 12–October 16 (best estimate October 14). Color starts around September 29 and is mostly bare by November 3.
- How do I get to Sandia Crest?
- The closest city is Albuquerque, about 14 mi away (it's right in town). It's part of New Mexico's fall lineup.
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