Although you can enjoy the Turquoise Trail from the comfort of an air-conditioned car, nothing compares to the thrill of seeing this byway from the seat of a bicycle. No part of the byway is more popular to bikers than the ride up to the Sandia Crest, 13 miles of mountain forest and clear desert vistas.
Before you start pedaling your way along the Turquoise Trail, stop at the Cibola National Forest and Visitor Center located in Tijeras at the southern end of the byway. At the center, you’ll find maps, information on the area and road conditions, and restrooms. After you have all the information necessary to make your trip as smooth as possible, head approximately 7.5 miles north towards the city of Sandia Park.
In the Sandia Park area, you’ll find places to eat and sleep for the night before heading up the Sandia Crest. If you are the outdoors type, head over to a nearby campground and RV park where you’ll find secluded campsites and laundry services. For those who like to stay indoors, stay the night at a local B&B. Sandia Park also has museums and art galleries, such as Tinkertown, as well as a hardware store where you can stock up on extra parts for your bike.
Each June, the Bill McLain Memorial Sandia Crest Road Race is the real cycling challenge of the Turquoise Trail. Riders can enter either the short or long courses of the event, depending on whether they want to just climb the crest or take the long way up. Bill McLain, a well-known local cyclist, resurrected this event in the mid-1990s. He died in 2006, and the race is held annually in honor of his memory and his contributions to cycling in New Mexico.
If you can't make it for the race, ride up to the crest anyway, it's a wonderful ride all summer long. Start at Sandia Park, head west on the byway, and climb over 3,700 feet to enjoy the cool air at the summit of the 10,678-foot crest. The road on the way is curvy and steep, but has a good shoulder, and the Sandia Mountain and the trees of the Cibola National Forest offer shade as you approach the top. The top has picnic areas with restrooms but no camping, so be prepared to ride back down the same day. Don’t forget to take in the stunning scenery as you cycle through five different ecozones, from desert scrub at the base to thick ponderosa pine forest at the crest.
Tram at Sunset (NM) [4]
When you reach the top of the Sandia Crest, you and your bike can catch a ride down the mountain on the world’s longest passenger aerial tramway, the Sandia Peak Tramway, relishing the breathtaking views as you do. Or, if you’re somewhat of a risk taker, you’ll love the rush of wind and the thrilling curves as you plunge back down the Turquoise Trail.
Jump on your bike and don’t miss your opportunity to challenge the Sandia Crest on the Turquoise Trail. The experience will satisfy your urge to cycle a good piece of road and leave you with an adventure you will never forget.
