Cienega Picnic Site
This is a day-use group picnic site only; no overnight camping is permitted. The site operates weekdays only from May 15 through October 15. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov. Visitors must bring their own water as water lines are not operational.
Flash Flood Warning issued September 14 at 5:48PM MDT until September 14 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
At 548 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing moderate rain across northwest Albuquerque. Between 0.5 and 1.25 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.25 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Northern Albuquerque, Corrales, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, Paradise Hills, North Valley and Alameda.
Flood Advisory issued September 14 at 6:15PM MDT until September 14 at 9:15PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Arroyo and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Bernalillo County in central New Mexico... * WHEN...Until 915 PM MDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Rises in small streams and normally dry arroyos. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 615 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This will cause arroyo and small stream flooding. Between 0.75 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inches are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Southeastern Albuquerque and South Valley. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Advisory issued September 14 at 4:56PM MDT until September 14 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Arroyo and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Bernalillo County in central New Mexico... Northwestern Valencia County in central New Mexico... * WHEN...Until 800 PM MDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Rises in small streams and normally dry arroyos. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 456 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This will cause arroyo and small stream flooding. Up to 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.75 inches are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Los Lunas, Bosque Farms and Isleta Pueblo. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Cienega Picnic Site is a beautiful, shaded day-use group picnic area nestled in the Sandia Mountains of Cibola National Forest. The fairly flat site sits along a mountain stream that has created a wet meadow, drawing birds and other wildlife. Surrounded by trees and an interpretive trail/sidewalk, the site accommodates up to 50 people for events ranging from picnics to weddings. The accessible interpretive trail was cooperatively built by the New Mexico Association for the Blind and the Forest Service, designed for visitors with disabilities or limited mobility. An accessible patio near the trailhead provides a suitable gathering spot. From the picnic area, visitors can access hiking and horseback riding trails, including a nearly 10-mile round-trip route to the mountain crest through fir forests abundant with wildflowers. There is no overnight camping at Cienega. Water lines were retired in the mid-2000s due to freezing pipe issues, so visitors must bring their own water. Grills, bear-proof trash containers, and vault toilets are provided. No shelter other than natural tree shade is available.
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. As you turn into the entrance, Sulphur is directly to the right and Cienega entrance is further up and to your left. The road to Cienega continues for about a half mile drive into the woods.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
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 | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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