La Luz Trail, which climbs from Northeast Heights to Sandia Crest

With a trailhead (pictured here) that begins at the Juan Tabo Basin Picnic Area off Tramway Road in northeast Albuquerque, the La Luz Trail climbs some 3,400 feet to the soaring peak of the Sandia Mountains. This is a challenging but rewarding hike of nearly 9 miles, and it takes the better part of the day to manage it all the way to the top. One option, after enjoying some food at High Finance restaurant at the top, is to take the Sandia Peak Tram back down to the bottom. The base of the tram, however, is nearly 4 miles from the base the La Luz trailhead (here's a map), so a little planning is advised - either go with friends and park one car at the tram base and one at the trail base, or arrange for somebody to give you a ride between the tram base and the trailhead.