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Scenic Drives

While traveling to your recreation destination, scenic opportunities exist to take in the local landscapes. The Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway sees over a million visitors a year and smaller loops along Forest Service roads across the Regions also offer unique views, especially when it comes to peeping fall colors.

Search for Scenic Drives Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 18 results

10k Trailhead and 10K Trail 200

Site Open
Hiking Winter Sports Horse Riding and Camping Biking Picnicking Scenic Drives
10K North and 10K South Trailheads “meet” on Scenic Byway 536, on opposite sides of the highway.--10K Trailhead gives access to 10K Trail 200 going North, and ends at the Del Agua Overlook on…

Balsam Glade Nature Tr - La Madera Canyon Overlook

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking Scenic Drives
Balsam Glade Nature Trail Trailhead is within the Balsam Glade Picnic Site. The nature trail begins at an elevation of 8,620’ to 8,660’ for an elevation gain of 40 feet It is 0.3 miles one way…

Balsam Glade Picnic Site

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Scenic Drives
The surrounding forest and mountains provide a perfect backdrop for photography, flower walks, bird watching, hiking, relaxing and enjoying nature.The group sheltered area must be reserved on…

Capulin Snow Play Site

Site Open
Scenic Drives Winter Sports
For more information contact the Sandia Ranger District, Monday – Friday 8 am-430pm at 505-281-3304Our first concern is pubilic safety for recreationists using Capulin Snow Play Area. Please use…

Capulin Spring Picnic Site

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking Biking Scenic Drives
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…

Cienega Equestrian Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Scenic Drives
Trailhead includes a large turnaround suitable for horse trailers. The trails associated with this trailhead are: Cienega Equestrian Bypass Trail 266 ; Armijo Trail 222; and Faulty Trail…

Doc Long Picnic Site

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Scenic Drives
Doc Long Picnic Site is named for Dr. William Henry Long. He was one of three forest pathologists in the USA who conducted pioneering research of tree diseases."Doc" Long, worked in New Mexico from…

Fourth of July Campground

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Picnicking Scenic Drives
Campground and Picnic Area  This site is open for day use or overnight camping.  No water available.  PLEASE NOTE: Tents and pop-up campers ONLY.  Site will not accomidate larger recreational…

Fourth of July Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Scenic Drives
 Fourth of July Trailhead is located on the West/Northwest end of the Fourth of July Campground.  Day-use parking is located near the entrance of the campground by the picnic area.  The trailead…

Last updated March 19th, 2025