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A grueling climb followed by a fast descent on the Sandia Peak Ski Area trails.


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Map Key

12.0

Miles

19.3

KM

95%

Singletrack

10,275' 3,132 m

High

8,653' 2,637 m

Low

2,108' 642 m

Up

2,122' 647 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

24%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

May be closed during summer months due to fire danger, check with the ranger station for details.

Overview

Singletrack switchbacks is what you're in for. The trail tends to be narrower and smooth when in the open area where the ski runs are and wider and more technical in the trees. At the top, take the time to pedal up and look out over the city from the actual Sandia Crest. Most of the descent is fast with banked corners, though beware of the soft sand on the outer edges as you exit the corners especially when it's been dry.

Description

If the ski area parking is closed, park on the road and ride into the lot, otherwise start by riding to the northern end of the lot and up the dirt road that loops back to the south. Take the signed singletrack on the right a short ways up for "King of the Mountain", Falcon Ridge and another trail. Follow this through grassy switchbacks occasionally moving from one ski run to another. Eventually take another right, this one signed for "King of the Mountain" (King), at this point the climb begins to get more interesting.

Through the middle portion of the climb you'll end up in the trees and are faced with rocks and roots in the corners. There are several technical sections, some on short downhills, that feature big rock ledges and roots or very narrow lines. The upper bit of the climb smooths out again and you eventually come out on a short section of dirt road to get up to the top of one of the lifts.

This is a great place to pedal up to the crest and look out over the city or have a burger at the High Finance restaurant.

Continue past the lift and around the ski patrol shed to pick up the Golden Eagle trail. This trail descends almost the whole way, though there are a couple of short uphill spots and few longer flat sections that require pedaling. There is not much beyond controlling your speed and the chop from other riders breaking into corners to challenge the rider. There will be several times that you cross trails and service roads on the descent, just stay straight on the singletrack.

Contacts

Local Club: AMBA

Land Manager: USFS - Cibola National Forest Office

Shared By:

LeeAB Brinckerhoff with improvements by D Inoobinati

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 27 votes

#1

in Sandia Park

#994

Overall
  3.9 from 27 votes
5 Star
30%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
30%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Sandia Park

#19

in New Mexico

#994

Overall
34 Views Last Month
8,678 Since May 31, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
27%
5%
64%
5%

Photos

I like ascending this trail and descending the challenge trail which should be the recommended route.
Oct 11, 2023 near Sandia…, NM
A full value couple of hours of cool, grueling uphill, away from that valley heat. Dozens of these open flats provide a few moments of recovery between many more steep and loose hairpins.
Sep 5, 2020 near Sandia…, NM
Framed by trees rounding a switchback
May 31, 2013 near Sandia…, NM
Base area coming into view.
Jul 21, 2022 near Sandia…, NM
Start of climb.
Jul 21, 2022 near Sandia…, NM
Golden Eagle (on ski trail Exhibition and chair lift #1 decommissioned).
Jul 21, 2022 near Sandia…, NM
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Current Trail Conditions

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