Cedar Crest is a census-designated place located in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, and is part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area (ABQ MSA). Situated in the Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque, Cedar Crest serves as one of the primary population centers of the East Mountains region.
With a population of approximately 1,000 residents, Cedar Crest offers a mountain lifestyle surrounded by forests, scenic views, and outdoor recreation opportunities while remaining within convenient commuting distance of Albuquerque.
Location
Cedar Crest is located along Interstate 40 in Tijeras Canyon, approximately 15 miles east of Albuquerque. The community sits near the junction of Interstate 40 and New Mexico Highway 14, also known as the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway.
Nearby communities include:
- Tijeras
- Sandia Park
- Carnuel
- Albuquerque
The area sits at an elevation of approximately 6,400 feet above sea level, providing cooler temperatures and a forested mountain environment very different from the desert landscapes of the Rio Grande Valley.
History
The Cedar Crest area developed in the early twentieth century as a mountain retreat for residents of Albuquerque seeking cooler summer temperatures and scenic surroundings.
Over time, the community grew into a year-round residential area while maintaining its character as a small mountain town. The surrounding forests and scenic canyon landscapes continue to attract visitors and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
Cedar Crest remains an important gateway community to the East Mountains and Sandia Mountain recreation areas.
Outdoor Recreation
One of Cedar Crest’s greatest attractions is its proximity to numerous outdoor recreation areas in the Sandia Mountains and Cibola National Forest.
Popular activities in the area include:
- hiking and mountain biking
- camping and wildlife viewing
- scenic drives along the Turquoise Trail
- winter recreation in higher elevations of the Sandia Mountains
Nearby attractions include Sandia Crest, which offers panoramic views across central New Mexico.
Community and Lifestyle
Cedar Crest offers residents a peaceful mountain lifestyle while remaining closely connected to the Albuquerque metropolitan area.
The community includes:
- mountain homes and wooded residential neighborhoods
- small local businesses and restaurants
- outdoor recreation access points
Many residents commute to Albuquerque for employment while enjoying the cooler climate and natural beauty of the East Mountains.
Economy
The local economy is supported by a combination of:
- tourism and outdoor recreation
- small local businesses
- services for residents of the East Mountains region
Because of Cedar Crest’s proximity to Albuquerque, many residents also work in the larger metropolitan area at institutions such as Sandia National Laboratories, Kirtland Air Force Base, and the University of New Mexico.
Transportation
Cedar Crest is easily accessible from Albuquerque via Interstate 40, making it one of the most convenient mountain communities in the region.
Other nearby routes include:
- New Mexico Highway 14 (Turquoise Trail)
- NM Highway 536, which leads to Sandia Crest
Travel time to Albuquerque is typically about 20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
The Albuquerque International Sunport provides the nearest major airport for regional and national travel.
Part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area
Cedar Crest is one of several census-designated places within the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Other CDPs in the region include:
- Placitas
- North Valley
- South Valley
- Carnuel
- Meadow Lake
Together with the cities, towns, and villages 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 1,000
Elevation: About 6,400 feet
Distance to Albuquerque: About 15 miles east
Major Routes: Interstate 40 and NM Highway 14
Zip Code: 87008