Hiked the Sandia Mountains today (eastern ridge of Rio Grande). Rode the Sandia Peak Tramway to get to the base of the hiking trails. Sandia Peak Tramway is the longest aerial tram in the Americas, and has the world's third longest span. Started at a base elevation of 6,559 feet and ascended to 10,378 feet (took approximately 15 minutes).

The weather was chilly - about 29 degrees F, not counting the wind factor. We headed north on Crest Trail #130 from the Sandia Peak Tramway. After 0.8 miles we came across Kiwanis Cabin Trail and followed it 2 miles up to Kiwanis Cabin (a cabin built 3 times, as the first 2 attemps were unsuccessful due to being struck by lightning, and having strong winds take it down). We then continued hiking North Crest Trail #130 along the north peak.

The views were incredible! Check out the pictures for some of the moments captured - it was a bit difficult to navigate the snowy/icy trails at times (in tennis shoes, no less). But a hot cup of cocoa once finished helped to revive the spirits.

I would do this hike again in a heartbeat, and would likely stay on Sandia Mountains for another few hours if possible, to check out other hikes. Definitely worth it.