This cabin was built around 1920 but was burned down about 2 months later. In 1930 the cabin was reconstructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), but the cabin restoration was initially planned by a local Kiwanis group. They used limestone as the primary material so that the structure would blend in with the mountain. The initial purpose was to provide shelter for hikers during in climate weather on the trials. The cabin is located near Sandia Crest and faces the western side of the Sandia mountain, giving it the most breathtaking views of Albuquerque. The cabin is also a great place to watch the sunset or balloon fiesta.

My grandparents live near the base of the Sandia Mountain and we would always go to the hiking trails whenever we visited Albuquerque in the summer. When I first saw the cabin I remember looking around the inside and reading all of the names, dates, etc. that people had scribbled on the rocks. The view alone is enough to leave an impact, but the experience of hiking the trails and learning about the history that surrounds the mountain, really makes the cabin seem more like a monument than a viewing point. I have always had a sense of peace and happiness whenever I visit Kiwanis cabin and that is why it is one of my favorite places to visit.