A Visitor's Guide to Cedar Crest
Cedar Crest is a beautiful little town tucked in to the east mountains just 20 minutes from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Located on the famous Turquoise Trail, you can drive east from Albuquerque along Route 66 till you reach our beautiful green hills with local businesses. There are many activities you can find in Cedar Crest year round, and we've compiled a few of our favorites. Of course, every day trip requires a fresh cup of coffee or tea, and we hope you make Cabra Coffee your first stop in the mountains!
- The Turquoise Trail & Route 66 Musical Highway
This national scenic byway is a 50 mile stretch along Route 66 highway from Tijeras to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The famous trail is along beautiful mountainous scenery and takes you through mining history, restaurants, museums, and a ski area. You can go to the official website to download the map and read about all of the recommended stops along the way: https://www.turquoisetrail.org/
Driving east from Albuquerque towards Tijeras, you will find the famous Musical Highway; a part of the road that when driven at exactly 45mph, the song "America the Beautiful" can be heard by the rumble strips. Drive carefully so you don't miss it (between mile markers 4 & 5)! https://route66musicalroads.com/
2. Restaurants: Burger Boy, Flamez Fusion, Ribs, Trail Rider Pizza, El Mariachi, Rumor Brewing
Stop by one of these restaurant and brewery favorites in Cedar Crest! Many are local and family run, like Burger Boy which has been going strong since 1982! (try their famous fresh beef burger with green chilli). Ribs has been making their famous BBQ for 25 years and provide an excellent country atmosphere and always friendly service.
3.Thrifting: Talking Talons and Hey Mavis!
These small and eclectic thrift stores are great places to find one of a kind east mountain treasures:
4. Cedar Crest Farmer's Market
The Cedar Crest farmer's market brings local vendors on Wednesdays from 3-6pm from May 7th-October 15th in the parking lot adjacent to Triangle Grocery. Find locally made jewelry, artwork, crafts, food vendors, produce from local farms, and live music! It's a fun stop for the whole family and also a great way to meet some Cedar Crest locals. More Info
5. Trails: Carlito Springs, Travertine Falls, Milne/Gutierrez Canyon Open Space
These trails are a must-see if you like getting outside and wish to see more of the Cibola National Forest. Gutierrez/Milne Open Space is directly next door to Cabra. These extensive trails can be used by hikers, bikers and horses. Carlito Springs is a historic walk to several springs that border the national forest that used to provide water to local cabins, gardens, and an orchard. Travertine Falls is more of a seasonal stop, with the waterfall being present mostly in the springtime or after a heavy rainfall. But further down that trail you'll find Hondo Canyon with caves to explore!
6. San Antonito: Lazy Lizard, Lantern Ridge, Tinkertown, Cienega Picnic Area
Just past Cedar Crest is the area of San Antonito, where you can find a staple local brewery, The Lazy Lizard, or a great farm market and cafe called Lantern Ridge. If you're interested in a unique museum, Tinkertown displays the miniature creations of artist Ross Ward (created over the span of 40 years!) https://tinkertown.com/ .
Cienega Picnic Area is beautiful year round with trails and picnic areas with scenic views of the mountains and creeks.
7. Sandia Peak Ski Area
If you're visiting Cedar Crest in the winter time, Sandia Peak Ski area is a must for any avid skiers or snowboarders (kids 12 and under get in free!). Located in the Cibola National Forest, it's New Mexico's first official ski resort with 35 trails and 4 lifts. If you would like to take our famous Sandia Tram up the mountain for trails or the Ten 3 Restaurant, however, the entry for this is at a different location in Albuquerque, at the bottom of the mountain: Tram.
So whether you're coming to hike in the mountains, do some shopping, or sit down for a nice meal, we hope you come and see all that Cedar Crest has to offer as a beautiful escape from the city!