Oak, Yucca, and Locust Group Picnic Sites

The Oak, Yucca, and Locust Group Picnic Sites include a combination of three different picnic areas plus Oak Flat Connector Trailhead, that border four communal playing fields suitable for all sorts of outdoor games.

The site is paved and accessible. It is a great place for play, rest and recreation.

The picnic areas are surrounded by ponderosa pine forest, mixed with oak, piñon, juniper, and plenty of yucca plants -- New Mexico's state flower.

Initial plans for the development of the site began in 1957, yet it was not until 1963 that construction of the Oak Flat Picnic sites actually began. Oak Flat Picnic Area originally included six group picnic sites. There are now three. Oak Flat - Oak; Oak Flat - Yucca and Oak Flat - Locust.

The three picnic areas are available for reservation Friday through Sunday on Recreation.gov.

NOTE: There is NO CAMPING ALLOWED OR AUTHORIZED in Oak Flat Picnic Sites/Area.

• Oak Picnic area is the largest of the three sites in the Oak Flat Picnic Loop. It has a huge paved area with enough tables and grills to handle up to 400 people.
• Yucca Picnic area has a shelter and can accommodate up to 60 people.
• Locust Picnic area has a shelter and can handle up to 125 people.

Oak Flat Connector Trailhead is located past Locust picnic site, which is to your left when you enter the Oak, Yucca and Locust Group Picnic Area.

The sheltered areas are replicas of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) has a rich history and lasting presence throughout the Sandia District. In their honor, we ask that you take extra care to “leave no trace” when you visit.

This area is 7,660 feet above sea level, and is nice and flat. The Oak Flat Trailhead leads to the Manzanita Mountains Trails System Map which is a multi-user trial system shared by mountain bikers, hikers, horseback riders and 2 Wheel Motorized vehicles.