Pine Flat Picnic Site
Pine Flat Picnic Site is located on NM 337 (aka James McGrane Memorial Highway / Old South 14) approximately 7 miles south of I-40. NM 337 runs parallel to Pine Flat Picnic Site making it easy to identify and enter. It was built in 1956 by the Forest Service with the intent to provide picnic areas for large group use.
From the entry way to your left, there are two “reserve only” sites. The area is surrounded by pinon, juniper, scrub oak and ponderosa pine that lend shade to both reservation areas. Cool mountain breezes are common here. Each area can accommodate fifty people. Click here to make a reservation at Recreation.gov.
Located to the right, as you enter the gate, there are pull through trailer parking slots in addition to regular vehicle parking, dispersed picnic tables throughout the area (available on a first-come, first-served basis, no fee), and the Pine Flat Connector Trailhead & Trail which lead into the Manzanita Mountain Trails System. It is 7,240 feet in elevation and is fairly flat, which makes it easy to park a trailer and unload your OHVs or horses.
Please refer to the Manzanita Mountains Trail System map to plan your course if you use the trailhead and trails.
- No Camping Allowed
- Cell phone coverage is not guaranteed
- It is the recreationist’s responsibility to know which trails are designated for motorized vehicles and to follow the guidelines.
- It is a multi-user area.
Trail(s) open for the following uses: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding and OHV use.
General Information
Please DO NOT park in front of any gates. They must be accessible at all times.
Please take care of your public land by using “Leave No Trace” ethics.
Obtain firewood near your destination and burn it on-site: Don't Move Fire Wood.
Click here to Purchase America the Beautiful Passes or contact the locations listed below.
- The Sandia Ranger Station, 11776 Highway 337, Tijeras, NM 87059, 505-281-3304
- The Cibola Supervisor's Office, 2113 Osuna Rd, Albuquerque, NM 87113, 505-346-3900
- REI, 1550 Mercantile Ave NE; Albuquerque, NM 87107 (REI does not carry America the Beautiful Passes)
CASH, CHECK, DEBIT OR CREDIT accepted
- Requires a $5 fee or a day-use pass per vehicle.
- CASH OR CHECK ONLY at pay station.
- New Mexico Enchantment Pass
- Interagency Passes
Address: 11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM 87059
Phone: 505-281-3304
Hours: M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 34.99656
Longitude: -106.3228
Directions
Pine Flat Trailhead:
From Albuquerque, drive east on I-40 to Tijeras Exit 175; at the traffic light drive straight ahead and continue south for 7 miles on NM 337 (James McGrane Memorial Highway). Look for the ‘Cibola National Forest - Pine Flat Picnic Area’ sign on the east side of the road. As you enter the picnic area, look to your left. There you will find both “reserve only” sites; ‘A’ and ‘B’.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.