Forest Road 150 (Sandia Crest)

Forest Road 150 winds through ponderosa pine and aspen groves as it climbs 4,000 feet from the high desert floor to Sandia Crest’s 10,678-foot summit. This maintained dirt road parallels the Sandia Peak Tramway route, offering overlanders a wheeled alternative to reach one of New Mexico’s most accessible high-altitude destinations. The route passes through multiple ecological zones, from piñon-juniper woodland to subalpine forest, with several dispersed camping opportunities along Cienega Canyon.

This moderate route requires high-clearance 2WD in dry conditions, though 4WD is recommended during spring snowmelt and summer monsoons when the road becomes rutted and slippery. The road is typically accessible May through October, with snow closures possible at higher elevations. No permits required, but bring layers for the 30-degree temperature drop from base to summit. The payoff is panoramic views stretching from Colorado’s peaks to Mexico’s mountains, plus cool summer camping when Albuquerque swelters below.