Riding the Sandia Mountains—Albuquerque, New Mexico

In the high desert of New Mexico you will find one of the state's largest cities, Albuquerque. A city that weaves together a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. With a backdrop of the Sandia Mountains and a skyline painted in hues of adobe, Albuquerque captivates visitors with its unique Southwestern charm.

As a city along the iconic Route 66, Albuquerque embraces its role in the historic "Main Street of America." Neon signs, retro motels, and vintage diners pay homage to the heyday of this legendary highway. The Nob Hill district, with its eclectic shops and retro charm, stands as a testament to Route 66's enduring legacy. Also known as the hot air balloon capital of the world, Albuquerque is home to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the worlds largest, which draws spectators from around the globe every October.

Heading south out of Albuquerque, Hwy 47 and 60 showcase the beautiful Rio Grande Valley. With mountains towering to the east and west, it's quite scenic no matter which way you look. Turning north, you’ll work your way up Hwy 55 to Hwy 337. Hwy 337 is a real treat, with sweeping corners and a changing landscape as you begin climbing in elevation through dense pine trees. Watch out for Wile E. Coyote here, as he is known to make an appearance on this road.

The route then touches part of the historic route 66 before taking you to the top of the Sandia Mountains. Hwy 536, also known as the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway, stretches 13 miles and ends at the top of Sandia Crest which stands 10,678 feet tall. The journey along this byway is a captivating experience, offering stunning views of the Rio Grande Valley, the city of Albuquerque, and the expansive landscapes of the high desert.

The byway is renowned for its twists and turns, providing travelers with a thrilling and picturesque ride amid pine-covered slopes. The elevation gain along the route is significant, and as you ascend, the air becomes thin. At the top, riders can park and enjoy the scenic overlook or one of the nearby hiking trails. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the view.

If traveling on a street bike, you’ll backtrack down the mountain and return to Albuquerque via paved roads. However, if you are on a dual sport motorcycle you can complete the route along Hwy 165, which despite its name is not much of a highway. This unimproved road stretches 16 miles to the north until you reach US 550. This part of the route closes in the winter, so check with the Sandia Ranger District before riding.