Recreation
Find the perfect recreation opportunity for you by searching either by region or by opportunity. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and all applicable laws and regulations while recreating in order to leave the Forest and Grasslands better than you found them.
Use the interactive Visitor Information Map to plan your visit.
Below is a selection of recreation sites and activities for you to enjoy. Can't find what you are looking for? More information on Trails can be found here.
The Black Kettle National Grassland contains 31,300 acres with 30,724 acres located near Cheyenne, Oklahoma, and the remaining 576 acres located near Canadian, Texas and comprising the Lake Marvin Recreation Area.
Within the short grass prairie of the southern Great Plains lie the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands. These grasslands encompass approximately 230,000 acres in six counties within New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma.
The Magdalena Mountains, south of the town of Magdalena, rise sharply from an elevation of 6,600 feet to 10,783 feet at the summit of South Baldy Peak.
The San Mateo Mountains, southwest of Magdalena, parallel the Rio Grande Valley. National forest lands begin on the high benches west of the river and extend up and over the mountains’ crest.
The McClellan Creek National Grassland contains 1,449 acres near Pampa, Texas, and includes the Lake McClellan Recreation Area.
Among the many attractions of the Manzano Mountains is the largest stand of Rocky Mountain large tooth maples in New Mexico at the head of Tajique Canyon.
Popular with equestrian riders, the Manzano Mountains West offer portal trails into the Wilderness that connect to larger trail systems offering opportunities for exploration.
Mt. Taylor is the highest peak around at 11,301 feet and is an area of special religious and cultural significance to several Native American communities.
The Zuni Mountains are rich in cultural resources including many historic sawmills and logging communities. Now, the Zuni's are home to a network of mountain biking trails that draw visitors from all over the Southwest.
Within the short grass prairie of the southern Great Plains lie the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands.
Just east of Albuquerque are the most visited mountains in New Mexico. Millions of people journey into the Sandia Mountains each year.
The Sandia Mountains are part of the signature of Albuquerque's unique sense of place.
The Manzanita Mountains rise south of Tijeras Canyon and extends to Cañon de los Seis at the north end of the Manzano Mountains, about 15 miles to the south. The area has an extensive network of trails available for motorized and nonmotorized use that are most popular with mountain bikers.
Recreation
Black Kettle National Grasslands Dispersed Camping
Site Open
The Black Kettle National Grasslands offer several designated dispersed camping sites, with little to no amenities, for visitors to utilize.
Black Kettle Picnic Area
Site Open
Bobsled Spur 53
Site Open
Please refer to the Placitas Area Trail System and Sandia Mountain Trails map to plan your course.Cell phone coverage is not guaranteedIt is the recreationist’s responsibility to follow the…
Bosque Campground
Site Open
Bosque Campground
Box Canyon Trailhead
Site Open
Box Canyon Trailhead
Canyon Estates Trailhead
Site Open
Trailhead access to the south end of Faulty Trail 195, Upper Faulty Trail 195A and South Crest Trail 130 as well as the Travertine Falls.Please refer to the Sandia Mountain Trails map to plan your…
Capilla Peak Campground
Site Open
With great views of Manzano Mountains, Rio Grande and Estancia Valleys, and unique camping structures, this 8-unit site at 9200 ft is a popular destination. Capilla Peak has access to Manzano…
Capulin Snow Play Site
Site Open
For information on current conditions, contact the Sandia Ranger District.Our first concern is public safety for recreationists using Capulin Snow Play Area. Please use plastic sleds or tubes only…
Capulin Spring Picnic Site
Site Open
Capulin Spring is a well-loved recreation spot. It accommodates fifty people. This picnic site is surrounded by heavily wooded land that affords shade to escape the heat of the day. It includes a…
Cedro Peak Camping Sites - Robin and Jay
Site Open
Cedro Peak Camping Site is a favorite area south of I-40 located in the Manzanita Mountains of the Sandia Ranger District. The campground is nestled in a pinon pine and juniper forest, amid the…