Tijeras, New Mexico . . . An Outdoor Adventure

By Ron Cusano, Shiloh Graphics Friday, September 05, 2008

Just a scenic 30 minute drive from the Albuquerque International Airport, brings visitors to the rural village on Tijeras in Bemalillo County. The community name derives from Spanish for "scissors," for the shape of two canyons crossing like the blades of scissors.

For the adventurous, downtown Santa Fe is a beautiful 75 minute drive on the historic Turquoise Trail through the picturesque villages of Madid and Cerrillos. Enjoy this relaxing day trip of site seeing, art galleries, photo Op's, great restaurants and other unexpected delights!

The Tijeras area is a vacationers dream! View the countryside as you drive east from Albuquerque on Interstate 40 through "the canyon" as you enter the East Mountain area. Be amazed how the scenery changes dramatically from flat, high desert rock and cactus, to hilly, very green terrain punctuates by an abundance of Juniper, Pinon and Ponderosa Pine., as you climb from an altitude of 5200 feet above sea level, to over 6500 feet, and feel a 5 to 10 degree drop in air temperature. While in Albuquerque, don't miss one of the longest tram rides in the world!

For cross country ski buffs, ski trails begin at the 10K and Ellis Trailheads on NM 536, Sandia Crest parking lot, and the Upper Tramway Terminal. Several trails marked with blue diamonds are located between Sandia Crest and the Upper Tramway Terminal. Trails also lead north into the wilderness and down the mountain to the base of the downhill ski area. Sandia Ranger Station has cross country ski trail maps. Be sure to try snowshoeing on the many local hiking and cross-country ski trials. Feel free to venture off-train, but don't get lost!

If it biking that you want, the Tijeras area is for you, with some of the best singletrack riding to be found in the state, if not the entire South!

This is also "Hiking Heaven" with endless opportunities on the Sandias Mountains. Some 200 miles of trails cover all parts of the mountain, both inside and outside the Wilderness ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet elevation. Entry to the trails network can take place on any side of the mountain from the Albuquerque Foothills, to Placitas, to Tijeras Canyon, to the east side via the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway. Be sure to visit the Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site. The site interpretive trail begins behind the Sandia Ranger Station and winds past numerous interpretive signs describing the the14th century Tijeras Pueblo.

Located in the Cienega Picnic Area is the Cienega Nature Trail! This short trail has illustrated signs in addition to Braille for the visually impaired and a paved walkway for visually or mobility impaired visitors. Learn about the ponderosa pine and meadow ecosystems. A small stream runs through the meadow.

The hiking opportunities on the Sandias are endless. Some 200 miles of trails cover all parts of the mountain, both inside and outside the Wilderness ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet elevation. Entry to the trails network can take place on any side of the mountain from the Albuquerque Foothills, to Placitas, to Tijeras Canyon, to the east side via the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway.

While in Tijeras, enjoy your stay at Heavenly Lodge, an amazing three story gabled lodge, situated on six acres of beautiful of healthy tall pines in your own private park-like setting, which can accommodate up to 16. With an abundance of amenities, you Innkeeper Linda will spoil you with personal hospitality that can only be found at Christian owned and operated lodging. For more information about things to do and see, and accommodations at Heavenly Lodge, please call them at 505 474-8359 or visit their website at: www.HeavenlyLodge.us