Balsam Glade Picnic Site

About

Balsam Glade Picnic Site was named by an early settler who mistook the white fir here for balsam fir. From 1935 to 1941, the YMCA operated a summer camp for boys at this location. Today, only two sets of stone steps from the old dining hall remain. The covered pavilion is a replica of a mid-1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design and can accommodate groups up to 30 people. The site includes dispersed picnic areas with grills, accessible vault toilets, and bear-proof trash receptacles. No potable water is available as the water lines were retired in the mid-2000s due to freezing pipe issues. The 0.3-mile nature trail winds through the forest with minimal elevation gain, ending at an observation deck overlooking La Madera Canyon with views of South Mountain and pre-Cambrian rock formations. This is a day-use picnic facility only. Overnight camping is not permitted. The group pavilion is reservable through Recreation.gov from May 15 through October 15, while dispersed picnic sites are available first-come, first-served year-round.

Directions

From Albuquerque, drive east on I-40 to Exit 175. Continue north on NM State Road 14 for 6 miles to Highway 536. Turn west onto NM State Road 536. Balsam Glade is approximately 7 miles up State Road 536, about one mile past the Sandia Peak Ski area base.