Lurking ominously 10,678 feet above the city of Albuquerque to the east are the Sandia Mountains. Named such for the reddish/watermelon color they can take on at sunset. Watermelon in Spanish is Sandia. At the base of the mountains is the Sandia Indian reservation. Once the poorest tribe in the state they are now the wealthiest thanks to Indian Casino money...they were even able to give $1 milliion dollars to Katrina relief.
The west side of the mountains have a more desert feel to them. Lots of brush and brown...but go to the east side and you'll be amazed at how green it is. A totally different environment. There is skiing in the winter and lots of hiking trails. The tram to the top is the 'longest aerial tram' in the world. There are two access points to the top. The tram takes you to the restaraunt and lodge areas. The eastern drive takes you to the 'peak' which is a small concrete area that literally at the top of the mountain. There is a nice gift shop [$$$] and a modest cafe. The view is quite breathtaking. Worth the trip.
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