Tijeras is
the gateway to the Turquoise Trail and the bustling mountain communities
along its path. Stop here at the Cibola National Forest office for information
and brochures and visit the site of the Tijeras Pueblo ruin. (505)281-3304.
The next stop is Cedar Crest, home to an outstanding archaeological museum where you can explore the story of North America's earliest inhabitants. These mountains also boast an archaeological continuum of human activities from the end of the last Ice Age through the present.
As you travel north you'll see the Sandia Mountains and Cibola National Forest, a scenic and recreational paradise full of outdoor activities including bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, climbing and skiing. This beautiful area is home to a diverse collection of animals and plants, and birdwatchers come from around the world to witness the hawk and eagle migrations. From mid November through March three species of Rosy Finch call Sandia Crest home, making the area an ideal destination for bird-watchers.Just outside the community of Sandia Park, along the Sandia Crest national Scenic Byway, you'll find the Tinkertown Museum; a collection of one man's life work that includes a handcarved animated miniature western town and a three-ring circus. Follow the Byway, or "Crest Road", through the beautiful Cibola National Forest. During the drive you'll see incredible vistas and pass through five different life zones.
Rosy Finch image courtesy of
James Ownby
Tijeras, Cedar Crest, Sandia Park & Cibola National Forest
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Another Place 'N Time (Tijeras) Candles, Gifts, The Thymes Lotions, Local Pottery, Willow Tree Angels, Jim Shore Collection, Burt's Bees Natural Products, Afternoon Teas. Closed Mondays. (505) 281-1212.
Aspects of Clay (Sandia Park) Something fun to do! Paint your own ceramics; pottery wheels; classes; parties; gallery. (505) 281-7115.
Beautiful Balloons (Sandia Park) Scenic balloon rides over the Turquoise Trail.23 years of accident-free flights. (505) 261-8249.
Cibola National Forest Service Office (Tijeras) A welcome center to help make the most of your travels. Complete with maps, area information, restrooms, travel & road conditions. (505) 281-3304.
East Mountain Community Theatre (Sandia Park) Offering quality theatrical performances for all ages as well as after-school and summer educational programs for children. (505) 286-1950.
Enchanted Sky Alpacas of New Mexico (Sandia Park) Meet our alpacas and shop in our studio for quality fiber products from our herd. (505) 235-8511 (505) 235-0305.
Just Imagine Gallery & Coffeehouse A feast of worldly crafts, jewelry & clothing, and a European style coffee house. Destination shopping. (505) 281-9611.
Just Too Cute (Cedar Crest) Webkinz, Fragrance Lamps, Woodwick Candles, Rustic Furniture, Home Decor, Bath & Body, Jewelry, Garden, Cards, Toys ... & more! (505) 281-3452.
Nature Pointe Community Luxurious 18,000 square foot Clubhouse • Indoor Pool • Wellness • Ballroom • Gymnasium • Tennis • Trails • National Forest • Gated 2-acre View Lots. (505) 450-2384.
Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club (Sandia Park) A world-class course promising a golfing experience you'll never forget! (505) 281-6000/ (505) 281-1900.
The Tijeras Open-Air Arts Market (Tijeras) A juried arts & crafts fair in a lovely setting. Weekends, May-October. Buy direct from the artists. (505) 281-9611.
Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site (Tijeras) "Living with the Land" Free tours, lectures, workshops, demos,. Interpretive Center. (505) 281-3304.
Turquoise Trail Gallery (Cedar Crest) Local Artists' CoOperative Gallery Displaying Diverse Fine Art & Unique Crafts. (505) 286-4699.
San Pedro Creek Estates (Sandia Park) 10-acre homesites
adjacent to 625-acre nature preserve. 1-(888) 789-5628.
E-mail: kjones@campbellcorporation.com
San Pedro Overlook at Campbell Ranch (Sandia Park) Three to six-acre home sites in a gated mountain community adjacent to a nature preserve. 1-(888)789-5628.
The Museum of Archaeology & Material Culture (Cedar Crest) Explores archaeology and a 12,000 year time-line telling the story of North America's earliest inhabitants through the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890. Features a new exhibit exploring Sandia Cave and the history of turquoise mining in the area. Visitors may also interact with an educational multi-media computer. (505) 281-2005.
Talking Talons Thrift Store A thrift store with a mission: goods are recycled and sales support wildlife rehabilitation and nature programs for youth. (505) 286-9611.
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Tinkertown Museum (Sandia Park) Located along the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway, is an amazing, animated, miniature Old West Town and Three Ring Circus set among relics from the past. Frontier humor and the thrill of the Big Top come alive in thousands of hand-carved figures. See an antique wooden boat that's been sailed around the world! Glass bottle walls enclose a potter's studio and gift shop. Open 9-6 daily, April-Oct. (505) 281-5233 |