A quick summary is shown below. If you want more details click here.

Season:

The summer operations season extends from Memorial day weekend through Labor Day.

Summer operational hours are similar to hours during the ski season with the lift opening to the public at 9:00 AM and closing at 4:00pm. Tram riders who downloaded will be loaded uphill until about 4:30.

SPSA also runs the lift during the week of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Activities:

As a part of the Cibola National Forest the land occupied by SPSA is open to the public free of charge for hiking, biking, and other activities. There are several maintained hiking trails that cross various parts of the property which are maintained by the National Forest: the 10K trail, the South Crest Trail, and Capulin Spring Trail. Additionally SPSA maintains two bike trails which meander up and across the mountain. There are also quite a few unofficial paths and maintenance roads along ski runs. All of these trails are used by members of the general public and by customers who pay to ride the lift.

During the summer months, about half the chairs are equipped with racks for transporting bicycles to the top of the mountain.

For a fee, customers may take a bike with them on the chair and ride either of the two bike trails from the top of the lift to the base area. One of the trails, Golden Eagle, is open to downhill traffic only. The other trail, King of the Mountain, is longer, more difficult, and open for two way traffic. While most paying customers tend to ride the lift up, then take Golden to the bottom, many bike riders take King to the top then come down either King or Golden without purchasing a lift ticket.

There is also a shorter loop comprising the lower 1/3 of both trails - again with travel uphill on King, crossing above the pond, and returning on Golder.

Events:

SPSA hosts one or more events during the season. The Sandia Peak Challenge race features both running and biking and attracts both amateur and professional bicyclists. SPSP supports these events by providing a substantial presence on the hill, possibly sweeping one or both trails prior to the race, and staffing the lower patrol room.

Facilities:

In addition to the chair one, both the cafeteria and the Wintermill are open. The Wintermill stocks items for bikes such as tubes, gloves, etc. They also rent both bicycles and helmets.

Helmets are required for all bike riders on the mountain.