View Albuquerque's Melon Sunsets from Sandia Peak Tramway

By: Michael Hanna
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:22
Print this article | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an oft cited city in American popular culture, probably more widely known as the point at which Bugs Bunny often lost his way ("I must have taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque"), than the location of one of the first Microsoft offices in 1977 or the crash site of TWA flight 206 in 1955. However, Albuquerque is home to a large variety of American historic landmarks and institutions - including the famous Rio Grande Zoo and the First National Bank Building. Yet towering above all these landmarks is the Sandia Peak Tramway, the world's longest single span aerial tramway, and an essential stop-off point for any visitor to the region.

First entering service in May 1966, the Sandia Peak Tramway is now over forty years old. When it was first constructed by Swiss company Bell Engineering, it was considered one of the most difficult tramway construction projects ever embarked upon, primarily due to the steep and rocky terrain of the Sandia Mountains. Located to the northeast of Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains are largely situated within the protected area of the Cibola National Forest. Its highest point is the Sandia Crest, which stands at 10, 678 ft (3255 m) above sea level. The term "sandia" means watermelon in Spanish, and this name is generally believed to have been derived from the color of the sunset viewed from the top of the mountain range.

Popularly known in the region as simply "The Tram", the Sandia Peak Tramway allows visitors to see this spectacular sunset from the best vantage point possible. Stretching from the northeast corner of Albuquerque to the mountain's highest peak, the panoramic views are truly spectacular. To the west and south, there is a view of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande and the New Mexico deserts that lie in the background. In a northerly direction, there are clear outlines of Santa Fe and Taos in the distance, and to the south there are pine forests that stretch out across the plane.

Conveniently, the main tram terminal is situated at the apex of the Sandia Peak Ski Area, which is perfect for winter skiing holiday-makers. Although the ski area does not operate over the summer, activities continue in the area as over 26 miles of mountain bike trails are made available for use. As well as this abundance of recreation, there are also a variety of restaurants available at the summit of the Sandia Mountains, including the critically acclaimed High Finance Restaurant, which is said to offer the best view in New Mexico of any restaurant.

Visitors to the Sandia Peak Tramway will find the nearby Homewood Albuquerque Uptown conveniently placed accommodation; it offers comfortable suites in the northeast of the city and is located in close proximity to the Winrock Mall and the Colorado Shopping Center. Visitors to the Sandia Peak Tramway, therefore, will find it is well situated, so that people can enjoy the beauty of the mountain scenery without being too far away from the luxuries of the city.

Michael is a keen writer living in Edinburgh. Michael's Website: Taxis Belfast

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Travel & Leisure category

  • Gaudi - Barcelona's Most Famous Attraction - By: Michiel Van Kets
    Planning a trip to Spain gives you plenty of options. Spain isn't only about the familiar traditional tourist destinations of Ibiza, Torremolinos and Benidorm, for something a little different then book yourself on a flight to Barcelona. This European city has an abundance of attractions and sights to explore and there are few other cities that can compete with the cultural experiences it has to offer. Art, history, architecture, wine, food and shopping, mix it all up with great weather and a beach on the doorstep and you have all the ingredients needed for a perfect holiday.
  • Barcelona - The Ideal City Short Break - By: Michiel Van Kets
    As finding time to take a break becomes increasingly difficult, whether it's because of family commitments, a hectic work schedule or a tight budget, taking a short city break has become the new mode of travel. Plan a weekend trip, a longer break, or take a few days during the working week, you'll find flights to European cities cheap and frequent, and they don't cost the earth. And with online hotel bookings so simple, the whole planning process has never been easier.
  • James Bond's Prague - By: Stepan Stich
    Hear about some of the most famous films shot on location in Prague and where the actors chose to stay whilst shooting in the Bohemian city.
  • Top 5 Sights of Kafka's Prague - By: Stepan Stich
    Follow in the footsteps of Prague's most famous resident. Go on a 'Kafkaesque' tour of the Czech Republic's capital city.
  • Budapest's Finest Festivals - By: Gergely Garami
    Want to get more out of your holiday in Budapest? Time your trip with one of these fantastic festivals.
  • Koh Samui Hotels - First Class for Accommodation - By: Michiel Van Kets
    Thailand is full of sublime vacation spots - there's the gentle beauty of the northern capital Chiang Mai, the energy and excitement of Bangkok, and the breezy hedonism of the tropical island of Phuket with its beaches, grand hotels and wide array of watersports. But few have the charm and vibrancy of Koh Samui.
  • My Beautiful Memories of the Amazing Stockholm Sights - By: Estanislao Chapel
    Looking back on my vacation in Sweden, I am truly in awe of all the sights and sounds that I experienced when I visited its capital city, Stockholm. A cosmopolitan city that boasts of Old World charm and modern architecture blended perfectly together.
  • Your Stockholm Vacation and How to Make The Most Out of It - By: Estanislao Chapel
    Planned for the longest time for this Swedish vacation? Making the most out of your Stockholm vacation is so fabulously easy! The Land of the Vikings as Sweden is also known for, is a land filled with history, arts, nature and everything else you can imagine.
  • Experience Koh Samui in Thailand for a True Tropical Island Adventure - By: Michiel Van Kets
    Most people visit the Thai island of Koh Samui for the beaches and they're never disappointed. The beaches fulfill all the promise of a tropical island with their expanses of white sand lapped by a crystal clear sea under an endless warm sun.
  • Encounter the best of Morocco with Hotel Amanjena - By: Robert Murgatroyd
    The first time I stayed in Hotel Amanjena on one of my travels in Morocco, it made me think of coming back and staying there the next time I come for a visit. I think this hotel is one of the most exquisite hotels in terms of architecture that I know. It's the first Aman resort in the African continent and it certainly lives up to its name that means "peaceful paradise".