Sandia Crest (Dirt Route) Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

30.6
PDI
15.8 mi
DISTANCE
4,734 ft
GAINED
5.7 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Joseph Coleman, Bend, OR; Timon Fish, Albuquerque, NM.

INTRO

From approximately mile 6.5 this ride is gravel-dirt for 3.2 miles at 5.5%.  However, we are informed by cyclists that it can be done on road bike with 28mm or bigger tires.  

"I do it a lot on my road bike with 28's. The dirt section is never too bad unless it's muddy or icy."  Timon Fish (KOM), Albuquerque, NM.  You need not descend the gravel - here's the loop route which includes descending the traditional Sandia Crest route on fully paved Hwy 536 - Route

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ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Difficulty: Strenuous
2
Road
5
Traffic
4
Scenery

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The American Southwest
United States (AZ,NM,UT)
18 ROUTES
27 POIs
ROUTE STATS (TOTAL)
215.4
mi
DISTANCE
34,866
ft
ELEV. GAIN

NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY

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May 31, 2021
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 2
May 31, 2021
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 2
I lived in Albuquerque for 11 years. I climbed ( and raced ) Sandia Crest dozens of times. Locals call this ride “Around the Mountain”. This is an alternative to Climbing the Crest. You can start in the village of Placitas , it's paved for awhile but soon turns to dirt, mostly dirt with some washboard sections. This is a very doable ride ( going up, do not descend on a road bike ) Back in the day I only used 23mm tires. I wouldn't do it now on anything less than 25mm -28mm. It is a Epic ride. Goes by the Sandia Man Cave. Come out at the switchbacks that is the last part climbing to the Crest.
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CLIMB SUMMARY

Sandia Crest, NM

Ride Date:

July, 2024

What we rode:

Canyon Grail

Our tires:

Front: 40mm knobby

Rear: 40mm knobby

What tires we recommend:

Any gravel or durable hybrid tire

What is the surface like?

This climb is smooth relatively consistent dirt, with the last 6 miles overlapping with the paved Sandia Crest climb.

View the Images tab in our Profile Tool for more detailed information on the road surface.


Less than half of this climb is on gravel. Both the open mile and final 6 miles are on pavement (the same road the main Sandia Crest paved route follows.)

The backside gravel route is well maintained and a popular route for driving amongst tourists. I was passed by at least 12 cars on this section of the road.

The road quality of the gravel portion of the climb is good throughout and there is no problem riding this climb on a gravel bike.

Once on to the main, paved roads - expect heavy traffic, especially when weather is good. Do check the weather here before riding. The summer monsoons in NM can come from nowhere and once can expect hail or even snow at the summit.

There is a large parking lot at the top and many stellar viewing points of the surrounding area.


Links:

Learn about PJAMM’s Surface Index

Learn about PDI (PJAMM Difficulty Index)