Cedar Crest: Hiking Trails and a Cycling Route in the Sandia Mountains

Cedar Crest lies at the eastern foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Public hiking trails, the Sandia Mountain Natural History Center, a road cycling route to Sandia Peak, and guided horseback rides give visitors different ways to enjoy a stay. Activities vary in type and duration: hiking trails pass through different habitats, the cycling route climbs uphill, and horseback rides are offered in tours lasting one to four hours.

Landscape and History of the Sandia Mountains

The Sandia Mountains show archaeological continuity of human activity from the end of the last Ice Age to the present day. Alongside their importance today for hiking and cycling, the mountain landscape also has a long history. Cedar Crest lies at the eastern foothills of these mountains—a clear geographic indication of the town’s setting within the landscape.

The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center

The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center is located in Cedar Crest on land owned by Albuquerque Public Schools. The center has been operating since 1967 and offers ecological programs to the public. For travelers interested in nature and ecology, these programs are a distinct aspect of the area, alongside its trails and sporting activities.

Hiking Trails and Habitats

Cedar Crest has public hiking trails. The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center’s trail system covers about seven miles. The trails pass through piñon-juniper woodlands, meadows, small canyons, ponderosa pine forests, and mixed conifer forests. The variety of habitats gives these trails a different character from a single route through just one type of landscape.

Parts of the center’s trails are located in Cibola National Forest and can be reached from public trails. This qualification applies to parts of the trail system; it does not apply generally to all trails. Those interested in the area can distinguish between the public hiking trails in Cedar Crest and the specific details about the center’s trail system.

Cycling to Sandia Peak

A road cycling route starts in Cedar Crest on the eastern side of the Sandia Mountains and climbs to the 10,678-foot summit of Sandia Peak. The road section toward the summit is 15 to 17 miles long.

There is also a parking-dependent distance for cyclists: from Cedar Crest, it is three to four miles to the intersection of N.M. 14 and N.M. 536, depending on where they park. This distance and the 15- to 17-mile road section toward Sandia Peak have different reference points. When planning, be sure to check which of the two figures applies to your route.

Guided Horseback Rides

Cedar Crest Country Cottage and Stables offers guided horseback rides lasting one to four hours in Cibola National Forest. Rides are available year-round and are offered by reservation. The one-to-four-hour range helps you factor the tour’s duration into your plans. The outfitter is located on Snowline Road, half a mile from N.M. 14.

Finding Accommodation in Cedar Crest

The local accommodation options include several mountain bed-and-breakfasts. This type of lodging is an additional factor in your travel decision; the hiking trails, cycling route, and guided horseback rides also offer different ways to spend time in Cedar Crest. Which ones matter for your plans depends on whether you are primarily interested in the landscape, the road cycling route, or a guided horseback ride.

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