Nine Mile Picnic Site
Cibola National Forest and Grasslands
**Nine Mile Picnic Site is currently closed for improvements**
Situated along the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway 536, at a cool 9,200 ft of elevation, is the large and often shaded Nine Mile Picnic Ground. Newly renovated to address maintenance needs, the picnic area now offers a combination of single, double, and group picnic sites, vault toilets, hardened walkways, grills, serving tables, information boards, and access to near by trails. Surrounded by aspen, spruce, and fir trees, this forested site offers rest and relaxation conveniently along the Byway. Parking at Nine Mile Picnic Ground is subject to the standard amenity fee. All picnic sites are first come, first served. Follow all rules and regulations.
Please remember to take extra care to "Leave no trace" when you visit your public lands. There is no overnight camping at Nine Mile.
Each picnic site has tables and a grill. There is a combination of single, double, and group picnic sites all available on a first come, first served basis.
Nine Mile Picnic Ground includes two vault toilets, information boards, bear safe trash receptacles, hardened walkways, and accessible parking.
Need to Know
Nine Mile Picnic Ground is subject to a standard amenity fee.
All picnic sites are first come, first served.
- Water and electricity, firewood /charcoal are not available at the site.
- Accessible vault toilets and bear proof trash receptaclesare provided. Please use appropriate containers for food and garbage. Food Storage Keeping You and Bears SafeMore about Bears and Food
- Please DO NOT park in front of any gates. They must be accessible at all times.
- Prevent Bug Kill. Obtain firewood near your destination and burn it on-site:Don't Move Fire Wood
- For more information about the Cibola National Forest & Grasslands: Cibola National Forest Web Page
- Trail Map: Sandia Mountain Trails Guide
Natural Features
The area is heavily wooded with aspen, spruce, and fir, with a mixture of level and hilly ground.
Nearby Attractions
Nine Mile Picnic Ground is located along the 536 Sandia Crest Scenic Byway. Also along the Scenic Byway are a number of Forest Service picnic grounds and trailheads as well as the Sandia Crest area which includes the Sandia Peak aerial tramway. Below, along the Byway, is also the Sandia Peak Ski Area.
Recreation
Nine Mile Picnic Ground is perfect for a relaxing picnic, with wildlife viewing opportunities, or access to a number of near by trails, including the popular Challenge Trail #233.
Contact Information
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11776 HWY 337 TIJERAS NM 87059
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 505-281-3304
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Albuquerque, drive east on I-40 to Exit 175. Proceed north on State Highway N-14 about 7 miles to State Road 536. Turn left or west, onto 536 and drive about 9 miles up to the picnic site and look for signage on your left. It is easy to miss, as the gate is set back from the road. A land mark to help you is, Capulin Picnic Site. Nine Mile Picnic Site is approximately a mile past Capulin, on the left.
