Sandia Crest is part of the
Cibola National Forest. Paved all-weather roads lead to the observation deck, where a panorama encompasses 15,000 square miles. Hiking trails cover 80 miles. Sandia Crest Road Scenic Byway, an 11-mile stretch of Hwy 536, is on the stretch of Hwy 14 and 536 that links
Albuquerque and
Santa Fe. Volcanic rock formations, ghost towns and old turquoise and gold mines are found along the way. A self-guiding nature trail begins at the crest and loops for .25 mile. Cross-country skiing is offered during winter. Located 16 miles east of
Albuquerque on I-40, 6 miles north on Hwy 14, then 13 miles northwest on Hwy 536.
