Sandia Tram (for lack of a more creative title!)

 The mountains called my name yet again this past weekend.  I went out for a leisurely breakfast and got the scoop about the good hiking trails from some of the locals.  I discovered that the omelets here are very different than the omelets I am used to in Maine.  They are covered with green chile (yum!) and the cheese is on top instead of inside.  With a full belly, I ventured to the base of the Sandia tram which I would take to the summit and hike along the Sandia Crest trail.  The Sanida Tram is the longest in the world at 2.7 miles.  It starts at an elevation of 6, 559 ft and ends at 10,388 ft.  The Sandia Crest trail was beautiful (see photos below).  The foliage is nearly at it's peak and the Aspens are in full bloom! I hiked over to a house along the crest trail-this is a house for employees during inclimate weather and serves as a hideout from lightening etc.  From here, I continued along until I reached the towers.  The towers mark the highest elevation in the Sandia's at 10,678 ft.  Spectacular view!

Sandia Tram

The towers at the highest elevation

Along the Sandia Crest Trail

 

The 'house' from the ridge trail

Aspens in full bloom!