Snowshoe Sandia Peak from Albuquerque: Guided alpine trails

Climb by tramway, walk by snowshoe, descend with mountain stories

A 4.5-hour guided snowshoeing activity on Sandia Peak near Albuquerque starts with a ride on the aerial tramway to the summit at 10,300 feet, then follows snowy alpine trails led by a naturalist guide in English or Spanish. The experience includes snowshoe and pole rentals, hot cocoa and snacks at a mid-tour break, hand warmers, gaiters, a carrying bag, bottled water, and round-trip tramway tickets. Minimum age is 12. Suitable for all fitness levels, though not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

The experience

The day begins at the base of Albuquerque's aerial tramway, where you board for a 15-minute climb to the summit at 10,300 feet. The tramway itself delivers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ascent is part of the experience, not just the means to it. Once at the top, your guide outfits you with snowshoes, poles, gaiters and hand warmers, then leads you onto the snow-covered trails that wind through the alpine terrain.

Snowshoeing here is straightforward: it blends the simplicity of walking with the thrill of moving through untouched snow. Your guide navigates the trails while sharing insights into how local wildlife adapts to winter and weaving in stories of the mountain's history and ecology. The snowy landscape frames towering pines and opens onto views of the peaks and valleys below. Midway through, you stop for hot cocoa and snacks in the forest, a warm break surrounded by the quiet of the high country.

The full outing runs 4.5 hours from start to finish. All gear stays with you (snowshoe rentals, poles, gaiters and a carrying bag with back strap), so you own nothing but the experience. The tramway ticket for the round trip is included, as is bottled water and the guide's knowledge of what grows and survives at this elevation.

What’s included

• Snowshoe and pole rentals.
• snow gaiters and hand warmers.
• carrying bag with back strap.
• hot cocoa and snacks at the mid-tour break.
• bottled water.
• parking.
• round-trip Sandia Peak Tramway tickets.
• naturalist guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 10 Jan 2027

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals

Is this one for you?The tramway handles the 10,300-foot climb, so you arrive at the trailhead ready to snowshoe without a strenuous ascent beforehand. If you're staying in Albuquerque without a car, parking is included and the guide meets you at the tramway base, settling the logistics before the activity begins.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Sandia Peak Tramway like, and how long does the ride take?

The aerial tramway climbs 2.7 miles from the base to the summit at 10,300 feet in about 15 minutes, delivering views of the surrounding mountains and valleys the entire way up. It's the entry point to the snowshoeing trails and is included in the tour.

Do I need snowshoeing experience to do this?

No. Snowshoeing is described as blending the simplicity of walking with exploration, and the guide leads you through the snowy terrain at a pace suited to all fitness levels. The guide handles navigation and shares information about the mountain ecology as you go.

What happens if I don't have a car or I'm staying downtown?

The tramway base is accessible from Albuquerque, and parking is included in the tour price. The guide meets you at the tramway station, so you only need to arrange transport to the base. The rest of the day (the climb, the snowshoeing, and the descent) is handled.

What's included in the tour cost?

Snowshoe and pole rentals, snow gaiters, hand warmers, a carrying bag with back strap, hot cocoa and snacks at the mid-tour break, bottled water, parking, and round-trip tramway tickets are all included. Gratuities are separate.

Is there a minimum age, and what's the fitness requirement?

The minimum age is 12. The activity is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, since the altitude and the snowshoeing demand sustained effort over 4.5 hours.