Cedar Crest, New Mexico, lies at the eastern foot of the Sandia Mountains. Hiking trails, ecological programs, and a road cycling route give the town several distinct focuses; horseback rides add to the offerings. To help plan your trip, start by choosing your main interest: for hiking, consider the trails and scenery; for cycling, the route and its elevation goal; and for a horseback ride, the booked duration.
Hiking Trails and Ecological Programs
One specific nature-focused attraction is the Sandia Mountain Natural History Center in Cedar Crest. It is located on land owned by Albuquerque Public Schools and has been operating since 1967. The center offers ecological programs to the public. Its trail network includes about 7 miles of hiking trails. They pass through piñon-juniper woodlands, meadows, small canyons, ponderosa pine forests, and mixed conifer forests. Parts of the trails lie within the Cibola National Forest and can be accessed from public roads. There are also public hiking trails in Cedar Crest. Those who want to combine exercise with nature-related topics can choose between hiking and the center’s ecological programs to suit their interests.
The Sandia Mountains and Their History
In addition to their scenery, the mountains offer a cultural and historical perspective. In the Sandia Mountains, the archaeological continuity of human activity extends from the end of the last ice age to the present day. This mountain region provides the scenic setting for Cedar Crest at the eastern foot of the mountains. For travelers interested in history, this long span of time adds a perspective on the region’s long history of human use to today’s opportunities for hiking and cycling.
Ride to Sandia Peak
A road cycling route starts in Cedar Crest on the eastern side of the Sandia Mountains and climbs to the summit of Sandia Peak at 10,678 feet. The road section toward the summit is 15 to 17 miles long. Another reference point is the intersection of N.M. 14 and N.M. 536: from Cedar Crest, cyclists ride three to four miles to get there, depending on where they park. These figures refer to different sections and reference points. When planning your route, be sure to note whether a figure refers to the road section toward the summit or the distance to the intersection.
Horseback Rides and Places to Stay
Horseback rides are available in Cedar Crest. Cedar Crest Country Cottage and Stables offers guided rides in the Cibola National Forest lasting one to four hours. They are available year-round by reservation. This time range gives you a specific framework for planning a horseback ride. The provider is located on Snowline Road, half a mile from N.M. 14.
Cedar Crest has several mountain bed-and-breakfast accommodations for overnight stays. When choosing where to stay, you can consider this type of lodging alongside your planned focus: the hiking trails and ecological programs, the road cycling route to Sandia Peak, or a guided horseback ride. A reservation is required for the ride, so coordinate your preferred time frame with the provider.
Discover more destinations: Albuquerque, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque.
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