Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands
Better In Person
Visit our majestic sky islands of New Mexico and the sprawling grasslands within northern New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
The Enchantment of Forest, Wilderness and Grasslands
The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands encompasses 1.9 million acres. The 4 “sky island” ranger districts: Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena, and Mt Taylor cover more than 1.6 million acres in New Mexico with elevations range up to 11,301 ft. The Cibola also has four wilderness areas: Sandia Mountain, Manzano Mountain, Withington and Apache Kid and administers four National Grasslands: Black Kettle, McClellan Creek, Kiowa and Rita Blanca covering 263,261 acres in northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma and northern Texas.
Fire Safety Information
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Skip the Fireworks to Support Firefighters
Wildfire preparedness is year-round: Fireworks are ALWAYS illegal on public lands. This holiday weekend, be sure to check for fire restrictions and closures before your visit to make sure your non-firework plans are permitted.
More InformationThe Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands has lifted closures and fire restrictions on Friday, June 24th. Review the news release for more information. The Bear Trap Fire Area Closure, Road and Trail Closure remains in effect.
Prepare for Your Visit
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Recreation Sites
Four season opportunities for visitors to the forests, wilderness and grasslands
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Find Your Way
Cibola area maps are available in all formats and for all devices. Plan ahead by mapping your adventure.
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Passes & Permits
Check out what fees are required and what passes are available. Know before heading out.
Discover More about the Cibola
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Caring for the Land
Learn more about how the Cibola is managed and cared for, including forest planning, travel management, grazing management and annual operating instructions (AOIs), assessments, and special projects.
Recent News
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Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round: Skip the Fireworks to Support Firefighters
Release Date: Jun 30, 2022 Albuquerque, NM
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Kristen Warren to serve as Acting District Ranger
Release Date: Jun 29, 2022
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Stage III Forest Closure Lifted and Stage II Fire Restrictions Update on June 24
Release Date: Jun 23, 2022
Features
Cibola Offering Recreation Passes Online
Planning to visit the Cibola? Now you can purchase your day use pass on line! Save the hassle of finding cash for the fee envelope and instead purchase a digital pass through our partner, Recreation.gov. This pass can be used for all sites that charge a day use fee on Sandia Ranger District, and at Lake McClellan on Black Kettle Ranger District. Purchase your pass ahead of time or directly at the site when you visit; your license plate will be used to verify your purchase.
Heading outdoors to get a break from being in the house?

An adaptation of the TREAD Principles by Tread Lightly!
We've adapted the T.R.E.A.D Principles for social distancing outdoors to align with the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help slow the spread of the disease and maintain physical and emotional health. Please help us keep the outdoors and enthusiasts healthy by following these easy guidelines.
Spotlights
Mountainair RD is grateful for work done by Forest Stewards Guild Youth Corps

This fall on the Mountainair RD this FSYC crew prepared areas for prescribed burns and implementation, recreation site upgrades and performed trail work across the Mountainair Ranger District.
Award Winners!

Congratulations to the Kiowa National Grassland and the Canadian River Riparian Restoration Project for their USDA Forest Service National Rise to the Future Award.
Be Bear Aware

Bear education material.
Cougar Country

Cougar education material