September, 19, 2013
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| The Tram from Pino Trail |
We first spotted The Tram when we were hiking on the Pino Trail. The Sandia Peak Tram is 2.7 miles in diagonal length and is a bi-cable double reversible aerial passenger tramway.
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| ...to the top! |
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| Bottom... |
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| The car we met in the middle! |
Both the tramcars are attached to hauling cables and the weight of the downhill tramcar helps to pull the uphill car to the top. When the tramcars pass in the middle, they are almost 1000 feet above the ground.
Top speed of the tramway is 24 feet per second, averaging about 12 mph.
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| Towers one and two |
Tower one is located at an elevation of 7010 feet and is 232 feet tall. It leans at an 18 degree angle to evenly support the cables. Tower two, located at 8750 feet is 80 feet tall. Helicopters were used to build this tower as the terrain was to difficult to build a construction road to ascend the rocky face to the required tower location.More than 10,000,000 people have enjoyed the tramway ride since it took its first passengers up in May, 1966.
The views are quite spectacular...you can see about 8% of New Mexico! Unfortunately, my pictures weren't very good thru the window...sorry! |
| A little chilly at the top! |
We climbed nearly 4000 feet in 15 minutes...now that was a WOW!
This was another WOW! and speechless moment...walking in the clouds,
and on a bed of granite!
The pictures do not do the views we saw justice. We were surrounded by beauty in all directions! Enjoy...
It was a wonderful morning! Another hike we highly recommend if you are in the area.
Thanks for stopping by. Until next time...
...enjoy the view!
Another gorgeous place to visit and beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteThe tramway looks a little scary but the views and what you were able to see on your hike sure looks worth it. The wildflowers make the hike even more spectacular. Who says you need to get your head out of the clouds!
ReplyDeleteThe Tramway was a great experience and we loved it but there was still a lot of snow up there when we went, Such breathtaking views too.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it.
Love your tram ride and hike! How neat to be walking with the clouds. And on a granite path. I am sure the rock was just wonderful. No matter how good the shot is, it never captures the wonders we are witnessing. You need to be out there.
ReplyDeleteYou did manage to find some pretty late summer flowers.
Thanks for sharing such a cool hike. Pinning it for future use:)
I love taking that tram ride... wish we'd had time to do it again when we were in ABQ last week. Oh well... got to do it vicariously through your photos!
ReplyDeleteI can relate when you say pictures don't do justice. We have to be there to really experience it but thanks to your captures, we have a sneak peak! Which will entice us to go there and enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are absolutely breathtaking...This is now on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteWOW, these photos are outstanding! Love the one you chose as your header! What a fun time you must have had. Hubby and I will have to do this!
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