The Sandia Mountains are a small range east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The mountains do not have a summit. Instead, the high point is a long ridge called the Sandia Crest. At 10,678 feet in elevation, the vegetation here is vastly different than in Albuquerque which lies about 4,500 feet below. Access to the Sandia Crest is easy and this is a popular tourist destination. The best wildflower viewing is along a hiking trail that starts at the southwestern corner of the parking lot. The trail is paved for a short distance for handicapped access and then becomes packed dirt. It is relatively level and easy to walk. The trail follows the limestone outcrops along the crest and then heads into the forest so you have an opportunity to see both sun-loving and shade-loving plants.

From Albuquerque, take I-40 east to the Tijeras Exit and then NM-14 north to the junction with NM-536. Take NM-536 (Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway) to the Sandia Crest. This road has many switchbacks but is otherwise a well-maintained paved road. The highway ends at the Sandia Crest which has a restaurant, gift shop, handicap-accessible viewing, and toilets.