Geology

South Sandia Peak

Bernalillo County, NM

Coordinate verified

Southern high point of the Sandia Mountains (approx. 9,782 ft) on Cibola National Forest, formed of Precambrian Sandia granite and flanking Paleozoic strata uplifted along the Rio Grande rift. Popular day-hike summit via Embudito, Embudo, or crest routes with expansive views of the rift valley, Albuquerque volcanoes, and Manzano Range — a textbook public geology overlook of the Sandia uplift.

Field facts

RegionBernalillo County, NM
Coordinates35.1202, -106.4305
CountyBernalillo
ManagerUSDA Forest Service — Cibola NF, Sandia RD
Elevation~9,782 ft
GeologySandia granite pluton; Rio Grande rift flank uplift
AccessUSFS trails from Embudito / Embudo / Crest corridors

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