W is for Watermelon @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallenge

Sandia, in Spanish, translates to "watermelon". So, the pretty Sandia Mountains are really the Watermelon Mountains.

Why the odd name? 

Because, at sunset, the Sandias turn a lovely pink shade in the fading light. Sorry I don't have a picture of it (it only lasts a minute or two, and I'm often not near my phone), but here's a great shot of the mountains.

Gorgeous day in #albuquerque #newmexico #ABQ

A photo posted by Sarah Allan (@sarahallanauthor) on Apr 2, 2016 at 4:14pm PDT

xoxo Sarah

T is for Tram @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallenge

One way to get to the top of the lovely Sandia Mountains is to take the tram. The Sandia Peak Tramway begins in the foothills at the base of the Sandias and runs over two and a half miles to the top. It's one of the most popular things to do in Albuquerque.

It's supported by two towers between the first and last station, and took two years to construct. It was built by a Swiss company in the 1960s, and made its first trip up in 1966. The journey takes about fifteen minutes each way, and each tram car has a guide on it who will talk you through what you're seeing--the landscape, the different rocks, the trees.

Picture from the Summer Tram Photo Gallery

There's even a restaurant at the very top, so you can stop and have something to eat and enjoy the gorgeous views.

From the top, you can get to the Sandia Peak ski area as well as hike various trails. The tram is also one of the outlets for the La Luz Trail we discussed on L, and a lot of folks take the tram down after they've hiked all the way up.

At any rate, this is one unique way to see New Mexico!

xoxo Sarah

S is for Sandia and Skiing! @AprilA2Z #AtoZChallenge

The beautiful Sandia Mountains border Albuquerque on the eastern side. While Albuquerque itself is at about 5,500 feet in elevation, Sandia Crest is its highest point at 10,678 feet, and the mountains provide a lot to do.

Hiking is a popular activity, and from the Crest, you have breathtaking views of Albuquerque and beyond. There are over twenty trails, and they range from easy to very difficult, so there's plenty to satisfy every hiker.

Sandia Peak is also known for its skiing. The ski area is on the eastern side of the mountain, and is a short drive for those with the urge to enjoy some winter sports.

Gorgeous New Mexico! #albuquerque #abq #sandia

A photo posted by Sarah Allan (@sarahallanauthor) on Oct 13, 2015 at 2:42pm PDT

xoxo Sarah