Tijeras is a village located in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, and is part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area (ABQ MSA). Situated approximately 15 miles east of Albuquerque, the village lies in scenic Tijeras Canyon, where the Sandia and Manzano mountain ranges meet.
With a population of just under 600 residents, Tijeras serves as an important gateway between the Albuquerque metropolitan area and the mountain communities of the East Mountains region.
Location
Tijeras is located along Interstate 40 and historic Route 66, making it one of the primary eastern entrances to Albuquerque.
Nearby communities include:
- Cedar Crest
- Sandia Park
- Carnuel
- Albuquerque
The village sits at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet above sea level, offering cooler temperatures and scenic views of the surrounding mountains and high desert landscapes.
Because of its location in Tijeras Canyon, the village has long served as a natural passage between the Rio Grande Valley and the plains of eastern New Mexico.
History
The Tijeras area has a long history of settlement dating back centuries. Native American communities traveled through the canyon long before Spanish explorers arrived in the region.
The name “Tijeras”, which means “scissors” in Spanish, is believed to refer to the way the surrounding mountain ranges appear to intersect near the village.
During the twentieth century, the construction of U.S. Route 66 brought travelers and businesses through the canyon, helping establish Tijeras as a small but important roadside community.
When Interstate 40 replaced much of Route 66, the village remained an important transportation point connecting Albuquerque with eastern New Mexico.
Community and Lifestyle
Tijeras offers a quiet mountain lifestyle while remaining close to Albuquerque. Many residents work in the city but choose to live in the cooler and more scenic environment of the East Mountains.
The village features:
- small residential neighborhoods
- forested hillsides and mountain landscapes
- access to hiking and outdoor recreation
Residents appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and strong sense of community found in the East Mountain area.
Nearby Attractions
Tijeras is located near several outdoor recreation areas in the Sandia and Manzano Mountains.
Nearby attractions include:
- Cibola National Forest
- Sandia Ranger District
- hiking and mountain biking trails throughout the East Mountains
- scenic drives through Tijeras Canyon
These natural areas provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, and winter recreation.
Transportation
Transportation has always been central to the history of Tijeras.
Major routes serving the village include:
- Interstate 40
- Historic Route 66
- NM Highway 337, which connects Tijeras with the mountain communities of the Manzano Mountains
Travel time to Albuquerque is typically about 20 minutes, making Tijeras a convenient residential location for commuters.
The Albuquerque International Sunport provides the nearest major airport for regional and national travel.
Part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area
Tijeras is one of several villages located within the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Other villages in the region include:
- Bosque Farms
- Corrales
- Cuba
- Encino
- Jemez Springs
- Los Lunas
- Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
- San Ysidro
- Willard
Together with the cities and towns of the region, these communities form the largest population and economic center in the state of New Mexico.
Quick Facts
County: Bernalillo County
Population: Approximately 600
Elevation: About 6,000 feet
Distance to Albuquerque: About 15 miles east
Major Routes: Interstate 40 and Historic Route 66