Sandia Crest (Dirt Route) Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

10.5
FIETS
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.  "John Johnson 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

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via our interactive Profile Tool.
Information Not Available

If you have any information regarding this climb, we'd like to hear from you. Click the CONTRIBUTE button to share your thoughts with us.

Information Not Available

If you have any information regarding this climb, we'd like to hear from you. Click the CONTRIBUTE button to share your thoughts with us.

Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Information Not Available

If you have any information regarding this climb, we'd like to hear from you. Click the CONTRIBUTE button to share your thoughts with us.

ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Difficulty: Strenuous
2
Road
5
Traffic
4
Scenery

CURRENT WEATHER

PJAMM TRIPS ADVENTURE STARTER BUNDLES

Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure.
ALL TRIPS
Browse all of our prepackaged trips and find your next adventure!
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

FROM
No Climbs Found

MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS

Let us know what you thought of this climb. Signup for our FREE membership to write a review or post a comment.
Already have an account?

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.
ROUTE MAP
PROFILE TOOL
Route Data
S.G. (%)
hide
Segment Data
hide

Climb Profile Not Found
CLIMB SUMMARY