Sandia Range, following an evening of snow, near the Aerial Tram

The most visible and dramatic defining geographical feature of Albuquerque, the Sandia mountain range is actually part of the Sandia-Manzano Mountains, and this singularly huge, jagged ridge rises to 10,678 feet above sea level (and about a mile above Albuquerque, which has an elevation of 5,200 feet). The range, pictured here following a night of snow, is named for the watermelon hue cast over the mountains at sunset (sandia is the Spanish word for watermelon). This photo is taken from Forest Road 333, just off Tramway Rd., which leads to the Juan Tabo Basin Picnic Area. The most interesting way to explore the Sandia is to ride to the top on the Sandia Peak Tramway - the base of the tram is near this spot. Those are radio, TV, and other antennae atop the mountain, if you're wondering.