HIGHLIGHTS:
A strenuous and scenic 16 mile round trip that ascends through several climate zones from the upper Sonoran desert to the Canadian zone at the crest. If you find yourself too tired to hike back down or behind schedule, catch a ride down the Sandia Peak Tram where it's only a 3 mile easy walk back to the trailhead parking. The trail is used year-round but in winter be prepared to use snowshoes and/or ice cleats. I've been told by a local ranger that in some years, spring conditions present deep ice on the upper mountain that may require crampons and ice axe. |