There’s no better way to cap off the day than to witness one of New Mexico’s stunning sunsets. There are several places around the state to see the glorious, final burst of color that lights up the sky before dark, but one of the best is Sandia Crest. Check out these gorgeous sunset photos!
The stunning Sandia Mountains are said to be named for the sunsets that regularly color the sky in hues of pink all around them.
cindywhitetn/Tripadvisor The word “sandia” is Spanish for “watermelon,” which is thought to refer to the rich red and dark pink colors of the sunset.
The name might also refer to the gourds growing in the area that the Spaniards mistakenly thought were watermelons, but we like the first explanation better!
cindywhitetn/Tripadvisor
Of course, the sunset isn’t always shades of pink… sometimes it’s a bright, golden hue.
Amy Wicks/flickr
No matter what colors fill the sky, sunsets at Sandia Crest are absolutely breathtaking.
Tabitha R/Tripadvisor From a vantage point of 10,678 feet, you’ll get a front-row seat.
Anywhere along the Sandia Range will give you access to a stunning evening show, and you don’t even have to have a barrier-free view to enjoy it.
sportsdvl/Tripadvisor Sometimes, seeing the vibrant colors behind the trees is a compelling sight.
The city views of Albuquerque below are also intriguing…
Woody Hibbard/flickr
…and it’s fun to sit and watch the sun dip below the horizon, as the city lights take over the illumination of the landscape.
OpenThreads/flickr
Take a drive along the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway for a light show you won’t forget, and consider taking a hike on the La Luz or Crest trails.
Rae Z/Tripadvisor
A popular way to get to a point on the Sandia Peak is to hop on the tramway at the Sandia Peak Ski Area on the east side of the mountain.
ANP71/Tripadvisor This tram is the longest tram in the country, and it provides a bird’s eye view of the valley below, not to mention an excellent look at the setting sun.
No matter how you choose to reach Sandia Peak, don’t forget to bring your camera along!
Petra S/Tripadvisor The sunsets from this vantage point will provide the perfect way to complete another beautiful day in New Mexico.
Where is your favorite place to see a New Mexico sunset? Tell us in the comments! If you’ve never ridden the tram to the top, you might want to take a look at our article about how to experience the infinite views aboard this breathtaking tram.
cindywhitetn/Tripadvisor
The word “sandia” is Spanish for “watermelon,” which is thought to refer to the rich red and dark pink colors of the sunset.
Amy Wicks/flickr
Tabitha R/Tripadvisor
From a vantage point of 10,678 feet, you’ll get a front-row seat.
sportsdvl/Tripadvisor
Sometimes, seeing the vibrant colors behind the trees is a compelling sight.
Woody Hibbard/flickr
OpenThreads/flickr
Rae Z/Tripadvisor
ANP71/Tripadvisor
This tram is the longest tram in the country, and it provides a bird’s eye view of the valley below, not to mention an excellent look at the setting sun.
Petra S/Tripadvisor
The sunsets from this vantage point will provide the perfect way to complete another beautiful day in New Mexico.
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Address: Sandia Crest, New Mexico 87008, USA
