Cienega Picnic Site
CIENEGA PICNIC SITE
Part of Cibola National Forest and Grasslands
Overview
Beautiful, shady, cool and green are just a few words that recreationists have used to describe the Cienega Group Picnic site. It is fairly flat, accessible, semi-private and accommodates up to fifty people. There are grills, bear proof trash containers and vault toilets provided and no shelter other than the surrounding shade trees. A stream, which draws birds and other wildlife, runs through the area. There is no overnight camping at Cienega. Cienega's accessible interpretive trail/sidewalk winds around the picnic site and provides a great learning experience for those who take the time to check it out. There is an accessible patio near the beginning of the interpretive trail that is suitable for a picnic. The larger Cienega Picnic Area provides additional dispersed picnicking opportunities and access to a number of trail systems. This is a popular area for horse riders and mountain bikers.
Facilities
The picnic site offers a semi-private space that can accommodate up to 50 people. There is no shelter, however, the trees provide plenty of shade.Water and electricity, firewood/charcoal are not available at the site. Picnic tables, grills, accessible vault toilets and bear proof trash receptacles are provided. Bears frequent the area; please use appropriate containers for food and garbage. Food Storage Keeping You and Bears Safe
Natural Features
Located approximately a half mile off the 536 Scenic Byway, the Cienega Picnic site is fairly flat. There is a stream that runs through it, that has created a wet meadow. It is encircled by trees and an interpretive trail/sidewalk.Recreation
A variety of biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails are available from within the picnic area, including one leading to the mountain crest. The nearly 10-mile round-trip trail winds through a fir forest, abundant with wildflowers. Much of the hike is in the shade, although the terrain can be rough. Day hikes are available along the route. In non-drought times, the trails follow a mountain stream with a beautiful travertine waterfall. Make sure to bring a detailed trail map such as the Sandia Mountain Wilderness map, or the Sandia Mountain Trails Guide. An accessible interpretive trail leads along the nearby stream and meadow, called "La Cienega" which means wet meadow. This unique trail was cooperatively built, by the New Mexico Association for the Blind and the Forest Service, for persons with a disability or otherwise limited physical mobility.
Nearby Attractions
There are privately owned businesses and restaurants all along NM State Road 14 and a museum on your way up the 536 Scenic Byway as you head toward Cienega Group Picnic area. The Sandia Crest 536 Scenic Byway is a popular route to explore with access to many hiking, biking, and horse riding trails along the way. The Sandia Mountain Wilderness is accessed from a number of the nearby trails.
Important Notices
To ensure an enjoyable stay for the next visitor, please make sure to place ALL trash in the trash cans provided and leave the site as clean as you found it.
Water and electricity, firewood/charcoal are not available at the site. You may notice water spigots at this site, however the water lines were retired in the mid 2000s due to difficulties with freezing pipes, therefore, bring your own water.
- Accessible vault toilets and bear proof trash receptacles are provided. Please use appropriate containers for food and garbage. Food Storage Keeping You and Bears Safe More about Bears and Food
- Please DO NOT park in front of any gates. They must be accessible at all times.
- We are not open on weekends.
Each reservation comes with ten (10) day use parking passes which should be validated by visibly displaying proof of reservation on the dashboard of vehicles by printing the reservation confirmation ahead of time. Any vehicles associated with the party but exceed the limit (10) or do not possess valid proof of reservation confirmation will be subject to the $5 day use fee. Any questions call the Sandia Ranger Station beforehand at (505) 281-3304. Sandia Ranger Station is open Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Additional dispersed picnic sites, outside of the Cienega Group Picnic area, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each area can accommodate a small family group and have no covering. Tables and grills provided.
- 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
Available Activities
- Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking - Hiking
- Climbing - Climbing
- Day Use Area - Day Use Area
- Biking - Biking
- Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
- Scenic Drive - Scenic Drive
- Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding
Directions
From Albuquerque, drive east on I-40 to Exit 175. Proceed north on Highway 14 about 7 miles to Highway 536. Turn onto Highway 536 and wind your way up. Look for signage for Cienega and Sulphur picnic sites on your left. They share the same entrance. As you turn into the entrance to Cienega and Sulphur Picnic sites, Sulphur is directly to the right as you enter and Cienega entrance is further up and to your left. The road to Cienega Picnic site continues for about a 1/2 mile drive into the woods. When you arrive at the parking area, turn right and look to your right until you see the gated site. There is a sign that will direct you to Cienega Picnic site. REMEMBER to pick up your key at Sandia Ranger District. (See: Know Before you Go below)
Contact Information
Phone: 505-281-3304
Sandia Ranger District11776 HWY 337
TIJERAS, NM 87059
