Albuquerque’s Iconic Tramway Rises 4,000 Feet in Just 15 Minutes with Breathtaking Desert Views

The Sandia Peak Tramway, New Mexico

Since 1966, this 2.7-mile aerial tram has been carrying hikers, skiers, and curious visitors up the steep face of the Sandia Mountains, climbing 4,000 feet in just 15 minutes.

At the summit, you’re looking at 11,000 square miles of New Mexico spread out below you, from desert floor to mountain peaks.

You Can See Five Different Nature Zones in One Ride

Your 15-minute ride takes you through what would normally require a road trip from Mexico to Canada. You’ll definitely notice the temperature drop as you climb.

The cables give moisture in the air something to condense around. Additionally, the area supports 263 different plant species, providing natural pathways for wildlife.

How Supplies Reach the Mountain Top

The tram doesn’t just carry people. Everything from restaurant ingredients to bathroom supplies travels the same 2.7-mile journey you do. They also use it as a medical transport when someone needs to get down quickly in an emergency.

When they renovated in 2023, they had to modify the tram cars to haul concrete mixers and small bulldozers up the mountain. The system moves about 4 tons of goods every week to keep the TEN 3 restaurant running.

The Builders Had to Stay Up the Mountain

Construction teams needed over 5,000 helicopter trips to get the job done. Tower Two alone took 2,000 helicopter journeys. They had to live in mountain camps during the two-year project.

Today, the towers stay firmly in place thanks to 40-foot steel rods they drilled into granite. These massive structures can handle winds up to 200 mph and get inspected twice a year by specialists who climb all over them with special gear.

The Stone Shelter Up Top

Perched at 10,000 feet on Sandia Crest, the limestone Kiwanis Cabin (the Albuquerque Kiwanis Club sponsored the original 1927 structure) has been there since 1936. Built by Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps workers, it replaced two earlier wooden cabins (one burned down, while another blew off the mountain).

Passengers on the Sandia Peak Tramway can spot the distinctive stone structure when approaching the upper terminal, including stunning views of the Rio Grande Valley below.

A Stuntman Almost Died Filming James Bond Here

When they filmed “The Spy Who Loved Me” back in 1977, a stuntman named Rick Sylvester tried to perform a ski-base jump from the tramway.

His parachute had trouble opening at first before finally deploying, just enough to scare everyone to move the filming to Canada instead. They still caught that famous Union Jack parachute scene, just not at Sandia.

The tramway now hosts yearly extreme sports events and has former stunt pros checking all the safety systems.

The Cables Could Wrap Around Albuquerque Twice

The cables holding up the tram contain enough steel wire, each measuring 2.25 inches across with 135 separate steel wires twisted together. And yep, that’s enough to wrap around ABQ a couple of times.

These cables can support more than 300,000 pounds without breaking. Sensors at four points along the route constantly monitor cable stress, and the whole setup has earned eight engineering patents.

Eagles and Falcons Love Flying Near the Tram

If you bring binoculars, you might spot some of the 112 bird species bird watchers identify here each year. Species like peregrine falcons, prairie falcons, and golden eagles use the air currents along the tram route during their seasonal migrations.

The Whole Idea Started on a Restaurant Napkin

Robert Nordhaus was eating at an Albuquerque diner in 1962 when he drew his vision for the tramway, eventually partnering with a balloonist named Ben Abruzzo.

You can see the original sketch of this $2 million project at the New Mexico History Museum along with a model showing what they first thought the tram might look like.

The 7-Minute Wedding Ceremony

Back in 2003, two rock climbers got married while suspended in mid-air halfway up the mountain. The ceremony only lasted seven minutes.

Since then, 43 special events have happened on the tram, including eight weddings, five memorials, and two gender reveal parties.

If you want your own special moment in the clouds, the “Celebration in the Clouds” package starts at $5,000 and lets you customize your airborne event.

Where to See Stars With No City Lights

When night falls, the tramway becomes a gateway to the stars. Monthly star parties draw more than 200 people who come to enjoy some of the clearest skies in the Southwest.

Special “Dark Sky” events line up with meteor showers with extended hours and actual astronomers riding along to explain what you’re seeing.

At the summit, you’ll find public telescopes and an interactive system that helps identify what you’re looking at in the night sky.

What You Need to Know Before You Visit

Address: 30 Tramway Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

The tramway welcomes visitors Wednesday through Monday from 9 to 8, staying closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.

During summer months (Friday-Sunday), they extend hours until 9 PM so you can catch those beautiful sunsets. Just remember to catch the last tram down, which leaves 45 minutes after closing time.

Ticket Fees

• Adults: $39
• Seniors (65+): $34
• Military/Students (with ID): $34
• Children (5-12): $24
• Sunset Package for $89, which includes dinner at TEN 3 and lets you skip the line

If you enjoy hiking, one-way passes cost $24 (hike up, ride down).