North Crest Trail No. 130N (from south)

Approach

Drive east on I-40 from Albuquerque and take the Tijeras exit. Go north on NM-14 for about 6 miles and turn left onto the Sandia Scenic Byway to the top of the mountain and park at the main parking lot. Make sure to bring $3 to pay for parking. The trail is marked by a large green sign at the northern end, east of the large antennas.

Route Description

From the green Forest Service sign go north along the fence surrounding the antennas. Not long after the fence ends, the Sandia Wilderness begins. 200 yards after a sign saying Del Agua Overlook 1.5 miles, a offshoot trail leads to the edge and gives stunning views of the Needle, Shield, and North Sandia Peak. After the viewpoint, the trail dips down below the ridgeline on the eastside for some time. When it comes back towards the ridge another faint trail leads off on the westside of the Crest Trail. This is the unmarked trail to the summit of North Sandia Peak. An aspen grove a short distance on the trail verifies that it's the right one. It fades in and out, but as long as you keep hiking just below the ridgeline the trail should re-establish itself and lead to the summit. The summit is marked by three cement blocks that used to be the base for a signalling beacon.

Essential Gear

Basic gear for a short hike should be adequate on this route.

Miscellaneous Info

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