Last week, I visited my youngest son, Aiden at Fort Benning for his graduation from Bootcamp. It was an overwhelming memory that I will cherish forever.
Later that evening, we were looking at photos of the event at our hotel with him and he asked me to send him some photos of us when he was little for an Instagram post he wanted to make of then-and-now pics.
There is nothing more precious to me than going through photos of my kids groiwing up. This was no different.
It was then that I stumbled upon this photo of us during one of countless hikes that I was reminded of our trip to Sandia Peak, New Mexico.
In 2014, during our three year RV cross country tour, I found myself perched high above Albuquerque, New Mexico, aboard the iconic Sandia Peak Tramway with my then husband and our curious ten year old son. It was one of those days when travel, family learning, nature and awe all blended into a memory that still sits brightly in my mind.
The Ride Up: From City to Sky
We parked the RV outside the city and made our way to the base of the tram. The journey up included a transition from one climate zone to another, which made it the perfect real life science lesson for our son who was being homeschooled along the trip.
As the tram climbed, the air shifted. Starting at the lower station, you are already at a respectable elevation, but within minutes you rise to about 10,378 feet above sea level at the Sandia Peak summit. I pointed out the changes in vegetation, the cooling temperatures and the expanding horizon. It became a full on ecology and geography class in the sky.
Inside the tram cabin, we glided upward as Albuquerque shrank beneath us. Watching the city drop away and the mountain walls rise around us made the world feel wide open and incredibly alive.
A Little History Behind the Peak
The Sandia Peak Tramway is more than just a scenic lift. It is a feat of engineering and vision that opened in 1966, inspired by European cable cars. Engineers Robert Nordhaus and Ben Abruzzo wanted to bring something spectacular to New Mexico and their work paid off.
The tram spans roughly 2.7 miles, carrying visitors from the desert floor to the high alpine ridge of the Sandia Mountains. Construction required helicopters, anchors drilled into granite and careful planning across rugged terrain. Over the decades, it has become one of Albuquerque’s most recognizable landmarks and a favorite for visitors from around the world.
What You See and Do on the Mountain
The moment we stepped off the tram, we found ourselves in a completely different environment. Here are some highlights that made the experience unforgettable.
Sweeping views. From the top, you can see the entire city of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande Valley and miles of high desert stretching into the distance. I remember pointing out the difference between the city grid and the natural landscape as it opened into the horizon.
Hiking. Trails wind across the ridge, offering quiet alpine paths and lookout points. The thinner air, the scent of evergreens and the peacefulness made it the perfect nature classroom. We talked about altitude, climate zones and how mountain ecosystems change with elevation.
Dining. Near the summit sits the restaurant TEN 3. Even if you are not planning a full meal, just stopping in for a break with those panoramic views is worth it. Eating at altitude gives everything a little extra magic.
Seasonal activities. Although we visited outside the winter season, the signage reminded us that this mountain transforms into a ski area when the snow arrives. That added to the sense that Sandia Peak is a place with many personalities depending on the time of year.
Why This Stop Stayed With Us
Traveling the country in an RV meant that every stop became a learning moment, a shared memory and a chance to grow together.
For our son, Sandia Peak offered a hands on science class that no textbook could match.
For the adults, it was a moment of reflection high above the noise of daily life.
For me, it became one of those anchor points in our three year journey that reminded me why we chose the this adventure in the first place.
Final Thoughts
If you ever find yourself in Albuquerque, the Sandia Peak Tramway is an experience you should not miss. It is simple, yet extraordinary. A smooth ride that lifts you from desert heat into crisp mountain air. A classroom in the clouds. A chance to slow down and take in a bigger view of the world.
For us in 2014, it was one of those special days that made our RV travels richer and more meaningful. I still think about that trip, the cool breeze at the summit, my son’s wide eyes and the feeling that the world is always bigger, wilder and more beautiful than we remember.
Here is to the peaks that help us rise, learn and see more clearly.
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