The Sandia Crest sits atop the Sandia-Manzano Mountains just east of Albuquerque and gives you awesome views of the desert landscape below. At 10,678 feet, the long ridge that makes up the highest point of the small Sandia-Manzano Mountain Range, sits well above the surrounding area and affords visitors views of the Rio Grande Valley. The 13.6 mile road from the Turquoise Trail or Highway 14 is curvy, winding, and gorgeous with quite a few places to stop and stretch your legs with hikes and picnic spots. A popular hike is the La Luz Trail that takes you almost 4,000 feet up to the crest from the road. At the top of the drive just above the parking lot is a small gift shop with a cafe. The stop is well worth the view from the many viewing platforms but there are also trails at the top that take you along the ridge.

The Turquoise Trail itself is also an awesome Scenic Byway that takes you past hills, shops, restaurants, and plenty of fun stops that help make New Mexico the Land of Enchantment.