Balsam Glade Picnic Site
Closed — Closed for the season. The site is reservable May 15 through October 15 annually.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the s
Magdalena Ranger District Bear Trap Campground Closure Order #03-03-03-26-01
The Cibola National Forest has issued a new order (03-03-03-26-01) for the continued closure of Bear Trap Campground on the Magdalena Ranger District.
Mountainair Ranger District Capilla Road Temporary Winter Closure Order
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and prevent natural resource damage from vehicular traffic during the winter months while the ground/soil is saturated within the closure area.
Area Closure for Sandia Crest House Structure within the Sandia Crest Recreation Site 03-03-05-25-09
The Sandia Crest House within the Sandia Crest Recreation Site to include the structure located at the top of the Sandia Crest at the end of New Mexico State Highway 536 as specifically shown in Exhibit A map will be closed for public health and safety of an abandoned structure until a permit is
Area Closure for Sandia RD Rec Residence and Property at 69 Casa Loma Road #03-03-05-25-10
Area closure for the Casa Loma recreation residence at 69 Casa Loma road to include the structures and property located at the second driveway after crossing the Forest boundary prior to the dead-end of Casa Loma Road accessed off of New Mexico State Highway 14 as specifically shown in Exhibit A
Area Closure for Recreation Residence Structures and Property at 91 Casa Loma Road 03-03-05-25-11
The Casa Loma recreation residence at 91 Casa Loma road to include the structures and property located at the last driveway after crossing the Forest boundary at the dead-end of Casa Loma Road accessed off of New Mexico State Highway 14 as specifically shown in Exhibit A map.
Magdalena Ranger District Bear Trap Campground Closure Order # 03-03-03-24-11
The Cibola National Forest has issued a new order (03-03-03-24-11) for the continued closure of Bear Trap Campground on the Magdalena Ranger District.
Occupancy & Use Prohibitions Forest Order #03-03-00-23-03
This Order imposes a 14-day stay limit; places restrictions on alcoholic beverage consumption and parking; and bans public nudity. The purpose of this Order is to protect National Forest and Grassland resources and to provide for public health and safety. This Orde
About
Located at 8,650 feet elevation in the Sandia Mountains, Balsam Glade Picnic Site was named by an early settler who mistook the local white fir for balsam fir. The site served as a YMCA summer camp for boys from 1935 to 1941, and evidence of the old dining hall steps remains visible today. The centerpiece is a replica mid-1930s Civilian Conservation Corps group shelter available for reservation, accommodating up to 30 people. Additional dispersed picnic areas are available first-come, first-served. The site offers a gentle 0.3-mile nature trail with minimal elevation gain, leading to La Madera Canyon Overlook where an observation deck provides views of South Mountain and the eastern Sandias. Hawks and turkey vultures soar through the canyon, and the area features diverse vegetation including mountain mahogany, yucca, pinon, and juniper growing above their typical elevations. Balsam Glade is located approximately one mile past Sandia Peak Ski Area on the scenic NM 536 highway, making it an accessible destination for picnicking, photography, bird watching, and nature walks. The site includes picnic tables, grills, and bear-proof trash cans, but no water or electricity. A $5 day-use fee or pass is required per vehicle, payable via cash or check at the pay station.
Directions
From I-40 at Exit 175, drive north on NM 14 (Turquoise Trail) for approximately 6.5 miles to NM 536 (Sandia Crest Scenic Byway). Turn west onto NM 536 and continue for approximately 7 miles, about one mile past the base of Sandia Peak Ski Area. Turn right into Balsam Glade Picnic Site.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Capulin Spring Picnic Site 0.6mi
- Nine Mile Picnic Site 0.9mi
- Las Huertas Picnic Site 1.5mi
- Doc Long Picnic Sites - A And B 2.9mi
- Cienega Picnic Site 3.3mi
- Cedro Peak Camping Sites - Robin And Jay 13mi
- Pine Flat Picnic Sites - A And B 14mi
- Oak Yucca And Locust Group Picnic Sites 16mi
- Cerrillos Hills State Park Visitor Center - Cerrillos 22mi
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $65 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (505) 281-3304 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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