Cedar Crest

Cedar Crest is a small settlement in Central New Mexico, situated on the eastern side of the Sandia Mountains, opposite Albuquerque. Scattered along the base of the mountains alongside the village of Tijeras directly to the south and the tiny settlement of Sandia Park directly to the north, Cedar Crest serves as a primary gateway into the Sandia Mountains and to the Turquoise Trail scenic roadway north to Santa Fe.

Get in
The town is located a few miles east of Albuquerque, at the junction of I-40 and NM State Road 14 (the "Turquoise Trail", a scenic route heading north through the town of Madrid to Santa Fe). From Albuquerque, I-40 passes through the narrow Tijeras Canyon. Running alongside I-40 through the canyon is NM 333, a winding two-lane road that follows the route of old Route 66.

See

 * Cedar Crest serves as the primary gateway to the, the ridge that tops the Sandia Mountains. You can drive up to the crest for a spectacular view over Albuquerque and the surrounding countryside; just drive north on NM 14, turn left on NM 536, and follow the winding road up into the Sandia Mountains to the crest.

Do

 * The Cibola National Forest, which encompasses the Sandia Mountains, offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The is located just south of Cedar Crest in the village of Tijeras, at 11776 Highway 337 south of I-40, where you can purchase trail maps and get information about conditions in the forest. NM 536 above Cedar Crest is lined with trailheads and picnic areas, as well as a sledding hill at  in the winter months; a daily amenity fee of $3 is required for all vehicles parking in designated areas.
 * The Cibola National Forest, which encompasses the Sandia Mountains, offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The is located just south of Cedar Crest in the village of Tijeras, at 11776 Highway 337 south of I-40, where you can purchase trail maps and get information about conditions in the forest. NM 536 above Cedar Crest is lined with trailheads and picnic areas, as well as a sledding hill at  in the winter months; a daily amenity fee of $3 is required for all vehicles parking in designated areas.