| 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. |
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