Cibola National Forest
Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands
Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands
Acreage: 1,625,542.
Elevation: 2,000'-11,301'.
The mountain ranges of the four forested districts of Cibola National Forest include: the Datil, Gallinas, Magdalena, Bear, San Mateo, Zuni, Sandia and Manzano mountains, as well as the Withington and Apache Kid wildernesses. These are all located in central New Mexico. The Cibola National Forest also includes 263,954 acres of national grasslands in northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and northwestern Texas.
CLIMATE: Climate within the Cibola National Forest varies with elevation - from the desert up through juniper, pine, and spruce-fir forests. Summer nights are cool, and very cold above 8,000'. During July and August there are frequent afternoon showers.
Sandia Crest’s elevation is 10,678', and is accessible by car, aerial tramway and trail. Capilla Peak’s elevation is 9,375' and is accessible by car. Mount Taylor peaks at an elevation of 11,301' and has a road within a mile of the top. The Cibola National Forest also offers several other scenic drives on its districts.
ACTIVITIES: Cibola National Forest offers good deer hunting as well as some elk, antelope, and turkey hunting. Fishing opportunities are abundant at Bluewater and McGaffey Lakes in the Zuni Mountains, Skipout, Spring Creek, and Dead Warrior Lakes in Oklahoma, and Lake Marvin and Lake McClellan in Texas. Nearby attractions also include the Sandia Peak Ski Area in the Sandia Mountains, the Very Large Array by the Magdalena Ranger District, prehistoric ruins, ice caves, lava flows, and Indian pueblos.
SEASONS OF RECREATIONAL USE: Most of the Cibola is open all year, although the severe high country winter prompts the closing of select developed recreation areas. Extra care should be taken when visiting in winter.
NEARBY TOWNS INCLUDE: Albuquerque, Datil, Grants, Gallup, Magdalena, Mountainair, Socorro, and Clayton in New Mexico; Elk City and Cheyenne in Oklahoma; and Texline, Pampa, McLean and Canadian in Texas.
Recreation Site Quick Guide
Summer Safety Tips
The Cibola National Forest and Grasslands will join other federal agencies in hosting four fee waiver events in 2012.
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