 | | The Cibola National Forest includes 1.6 million acres in the Datil, Gallinas, Magdalena, Bear, Manzano, Sandia, San Mateo and Zuni Mountains, with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 11,301 feet. Vegetation in the Cibola National Forest varies from desert, up through juniper, pine and spruce-fir forest.The Cibola National Forest has four designated Wilderness Areas: Sandia Mountain, Manzano Mountain, Withington and Apache Kid Wildernesses. The Cibola National Forest offers recreational opportunities in any season. The mountain scenery and cooler summer temperatures lure vacationers to enjoy camping, horseback riding, pack trips, fishing, and elk, deer, or turkey hunting. Winter activities include downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobile.Sandia Crest is the most popular scenic attraction in the Cibola National Forest and visitors will not want to miss. Guests can ride America's longest aerial tram to the crest of Sandia Mountain and stop by the Four Seasons Visitor Center, or visitors can make the scenic drive up the east slope. The panoramic view from the crest observation point at 10,678 feet above sea level is a "must see" for most visitors.The Tijeras Pueblo Ruins site adjacent to the Sandia Ranger Station, is a popular year-round educational destination and offers several summer programs. 9,375-foot Capilla Peak is accessible by car. Mount Taylor, at 11,301 feet has a good road within a mile of the top.In wintertime, the Sandia District of the Cibola National Forest offers a downhill ski area, snow play area, and cross-country ski trails, open usually from the first good storms in December to about the middle of March. Other points of interest in the area include nearby Indian Pueblos, additional prehistoric ruins, ice caves and lava flows. |
| |  | | | Facilities: There are several campgrounds located within the Cibola National Forest. Reservations: Advance reservations may be made for some campsites within the Cibola National Forest. All reservations are handled by the National Reservation Center at 800.280.2267 (TTY 800.879.4496). Other campsites in the Cibola National Forest are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Best Time To Visit: The Cibola National Forest offers recreational opportunities in any season. The day to night temperature change is extreme, especially above 7,000 feet. Even in summer, nights are cool to cold depending on elevation. Visitors will find snow at timberline until June. Expect frequent afternoon showers in July and August. Winter brings snow, which can be heavy in the higher elevations, and temperatures can dip below zero. Sunny days are common however, even in the winter, with temperatures normally reaching into the 30's and 40's, or higher at the low elevations. Fees: Fees may be charged for some campgrounds, call the Cibola National Forest Ranger for more information. Accessibility: Please contact the Cibola National Forest Ranger for further information. Rules: There are a variety of rules to consider when visiting the Cibola National Forest. Please keep the following in mind: Firewood: Guests may find dead and down timber near your camping unit to use as firewood; however, we recommend guests carry firewood, charcoal or a petroleum-fueled stove with you just in case firewood is not readily available. Visitors may not cut standing dead trees for firewood without a permit issued by the district ranger supervising the camping area.Campfires: Campfire permits are not necessary within the Cibola National Forest except during periods of high or extreme fire danger. Please check with the Cibola National Forest district ranger or forest headquarters to determine if fire and/or smoking restrictions are in effect during your visit. A cooking or heating device containing its own fuel -- such as kerosene, gasoline, or butane -- is not considered a "campfire"; usually there are no restrictions on the use of such devices if they meet Underwriter Laboratory safety standards. Charcoal burners are considered a "campfire".Backpacking and Wilderness: If guests are backpacking, there are no regulations governing the size of groups on the Cibola National Forest. But a maximum of 10 is recommended. Special orders limit your stay to 14 days in a 45-day period. Most backcountry areas are quite dry; most streams and springs do not flow throughout the year. Guests will need to carry water for drinking and camping in the backcountry. Please remember -- mountain backcountry is rugged and isolated, and there are no camping facilities in these undeveloped areas. We recommend that visitors consult the local ranger district office before planning an extended trip.Mountain Bike, Motorcycle and Jeep Trails: Some trails on portions of the Cibola National Forest are closed to use by all kinds of mechanized/motor vehicles. Motorized vehicles are not permitted in the four designated wilderness areas. While there are no trails specifically designated as jeep trails or motorcycle trails on the Cibola National Forest, there are numerous old woods routes and logging roads throughout the districts, which may be enjoyed by mountain bike, motorcycle or jeep. Please inquire at the local ranger district office for information on trails, off-road vehicle use and areas closed to mechanized traffic.Directions: The Cibola National Forest is scattered in different segments, over the mountain ranges of central New Mexico. The Forest is headquartered in Albuquerque, with offices also in Magdalena, Grants, Mountainair and Tijeras. Interstates 40 and 25 run through the general area. The Cibola National Forest also administers National Grasslands in northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and northwestern Texas. | | |
|
| | | | Address | | Cibola National Forest | | 2113 Osuna Road, Suite A | | Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113 |
| | | Phone | | General: (505) 761-4650 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
|
|
| | | | | |
| |
