---
template: byway.jade
id: "2086"
name: Sandia Crest Byway
distance: "13.6"
duration: 1 hour to drive the byway
description: "Approximately 4 miles north of the town of Cedar Crest, the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway branches westward toward the Sandia Crest.  The area offers scenic views of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande River, and Mount Taylor."
contact: "**Sandia Ranger District**  \r\n 505-281-3304  \r\n [Send E-mail](mailto:gfroehlich@fs.fed.us )  \r\n\r\n"
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websites: 
  - url: "http://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola/"
    name: Cibola National Forest
  - url: "http://www.itsatrip.org/activities/tours-trails/self-tours/themed-tours.aspx#sandia"
    name: Sandia Mountains Tour
designations: 
  - National Forest Scenic Byway
  - "New Mexico Scenic & Historic Byway"
states: 
  - NM
ll: 
  - -106.40871598106341
  - 35.21336882197508
bounds: 
  - - -106.45034839319798
    - 35.20595200000008
  - - -106.40871598106341
    - 35.21793200000013

---

Sandia Crest is a mile above the surrounding countryside and 2 miles above sea level. The all- weather, paved Sandia Crest Highway (NM 536) is the highest scenic drive in the southwest. The Sandia
Mountains were created by an uplift, leaving the forested eastern slope you'll drive up, and a craggy, cliff-like western face. Part of the Cibola National Forest, the Sandias are home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, black bear and many other
mammals and birds -- including the golden eagles you may see
soaring at the Crest. To experience some of the many moods of the
Crest, we recommend an afternoon hike along the trails. Then relax
awhile at the Sandia Crest House Gift Shop and Restaurant. Stay to
enjoy the sunset -- sometimes spectacular! -- and the
incredible night view of the city lights and starry skies.
