Cienega Picnic Site

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.