A figure that can be seen this time of year on the Sandia Mountains is often viewed as a person raising their fist to the sky, and some call it the Spirit of the Sandias. The figure can been seen clearly for a few weeks from the end of September into October at a specific angle and time of day.
A trick of the eye, this figure can be seen looking north around the area of the foothills between Comanche to Lomas NE from Tramway during the fall afternoons, but some folks say no matter how long they look, they don’t see it, while others can see it plain as day.
The Sandia Mountains can look completely different from Rio Rancho to Southeast Albuquerque, so suffice to say this distinct depiction of a person to some is in the eye of the beholder, much like religious images or symbols seen throughout history.
The figure has sparked interest throughout generations in Albuquerque, but recent social media posts had people wondering about the mysterious shape.
According to an article from the Albuquerque Journal in 2015, many think it is a Native American man saluting the beauty of the Sandias, saying that by the end of September to October the autumn light enhances the figure to seem as if it has a full Native feathered headdress worn by tribesman for battle or ceremonial occasions.
Either way folks see it, the figure is definitely worth a gander.
The Sandia Mountains are full of wonders from the Eye of the Sandias to the TWA 260 plane crash site from 1955 people can still see today and are near and dear to any Burquenos who love to go out and explore them.
Know of any cool spots, trick of the eye figures in the rocks, or great views from the Sandia Mountains to share? Email us about it at info@neighborhoodjournal.com.
