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(5 hours, 30
miles, 48.2 kilometers)
Explore an ice
cave, stand inside a "live" volcano, or ride the
Evolator 70 million years back to the Age of Dinosaurs, all at
the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.
Located at 1801
Mountain Road NW, the museum is a high-tech masterpiece. Hours
are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $4 adults, $3
seniors and students, $1 children 3-11, under 3 free.
After enjoying
the Museum of Natural History & Science, follow Mountain
Road east to Lomas Boulevard. A right on University and a left
on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. puts you on the University of
New Mexico campus.
Hundreds of
colorful minerals, meteorites, moon rocks, and fossils are on
display at UNM's Museums of Geology and Meteoritics. The museums
are found in Northrup Hall, just north of Yale Boulevard. Hours:
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. The Meteoritics Museum is closed
from noon to 1 p.m. There is no admission charge.
Next, follow
Central Avenue (old Rt. 66) east to Wyoming Boulevard and the
gate of Kirtland Air Force Base. Kirtland is the home of the National
Atomic Museum. In addition to displays on the
development of atomic energy, the museum demonstrates the latest
advances in energy research.
The National
Atomic Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visitors must
stop and get a temporary pass at the Wyoming gate. There is no
charge for the pass or the museum.
Upon leaving the
National Atomic Museum, return to Central Ave. and proceed east
to Tramway Boulevard. A left on Tramway brings you to the
world's longest continuous tramway, the Sandia Peak Tram.
Built over
Domingo Baca Canyon with the aid of helicopters, the tram boasts
the world's longest unsupported span.
A ride on the
Sandia Peak Tram whisks you 2.7 miles up to 10,378-foot Sandia
Peak, passing through four of the earth's seven life zones on
the way. In biologic terms, this is the equivalent of going from
Mexico to Alaska in 20 minutes. Wildlife such as bear and mule
deer can sometimes be seen on the slopes below the noiseless
tram car.
The Sandia Peak
Tram operates from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. After Labor Day,
hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and
Sunday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 5 p.m. to 9
p.m. on Wednesdays.
Tram fares: $13
adults, $9.50 seniors and children 5-12, under 5 free. The
parking fee buys a permit good for repeated use. During the
summer, the Sandia Peak Ski Area's chairlift operates from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. and Sun. The chairlift connects with the
tram at the top of Sandia Mountain, offering a gentle 7,500-ft.
glide over green meadows and pine forests. Fare: $4 per person
(with tram ticket, $2.50).
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