Cienega Picnic Site
Closed — Currently closed for the winter season. Reservations are available when open, which is weekdays only. The Sandia Ranger Station operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No overnight camping is permitted.
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
Cienega Picnic Site offers a semi-private, shaded day-use area in the Sandia Mountains of Cibola National Forest. Located approximately half a mile off Highway 536, the site sits at an elevation where a mountain stream creates a wet meadow environment, attracting birds and wildlife. The fairly flat terrain makes it accessible to visitors with limited mobility. The group picnic site accommodates up to 50 people and provides picnic tables, grills, vault toilets, and bear-proof trash receptacles. Natural shade comes from surrounding trees rather than built shelters. An accessible interpretive trail and patio near the trailhead were built in cooperation with the New Mexico Association for the Blind, winding through the meadow and along the stream to provide learning opportunities about the local ecosystem. Beyond the main group site, additional dispersed picnic areas are available first-come, first-served for smaller family groups. The area serves as a trailhead for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, including routes leading to the mountain crest through fir forests and wildflower meadows. The nearly 10-mile round-trip trail to the crest follows a mountain stream featuring a travertine waterfall in wetter years. This is a popular area for equestrians and mountain bikers exploring the Sandia Mountain Wilderness.
Directions
From Albuquerque, drive east on I-40 to Exit 175. Proceed north on Highway 14 about 7 miles to Highway 536. Turn left onto Highway 536 and continue uphill. Look for signage for Cienega and Sulphur picnic sites on the left. Turn into the shared entrance; Sulphur is immediately to the right, while Cienega's entrance is further up and to the left. Continue approximately 0.5 mile through the woods to the parking area. Turn right at the parking area and look for the gated site with directional signage. Pick up the gate key at Sandia Ranger District office before arrival.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Doc Long Picnic Sites - A And B 0.6mi
- Balsam Glade Picnic Site 3.3mi
- Capulin Spring Picnic Site 3.7mi
- Nine Mile Picnic Site 3.8mi
- Las Huertas Picnic Site 4.7mi
- Cedro Peak Camping Sites - Robin And Jay 9.6mi
- Pine Flat Picnic Sites - A And B 11mi
- Oak Yucca And Locust Group Picnic Sites 12mi
- Cerrillos Hills State Park Visitor Center - Cerrillos 24mi
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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