It became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1978 by an act of the United States Congress and has a total of 37,877 acres (15,328 ha).

Almost the entire range is part of the Cibola National Forest area, including the Sandia Mountain Wilderness.

[4] The dominating rock type in the Sandia Mountains is granite with a ribbon of limestone running along the crest.

Some of the most common animals seen in the Sandia Wilderness are mule deer, black bears, raccoons, bobcats, and various species of squirrel.

There are also many birds of prey that live and migrate within the Sandia Mountain Wilderness including golden eagles and various species of hawks.