Recreation
Find the perfect recreation opportunity for you by searching either by region or by opportunity. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and all applicable laws and regulations while recreating in order to leave the Forest and Grasslands better than you found them.
Use the interactive Visitor Information Map to plan your visit.
Below is a selection of recreation sites and activities for you to enjoy. Can't find what you are looking for? More information on Trails can be found here.
The Black Kettle National Grassland contains 31,300 acres with 30,724 acres located near Cheyenne, Oklahoma, and the remaining 576 acres located near Canadian, Texas and comprising the Lake Marvin Recreation Area.
Within the short grass prairie of the southern Great Plains lie the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands. These grasslands encompass approximately 230,000 acres in six counties within New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma.
The Magdalena Mountains, south of the town of Magdalena, rise sharply from an elevation of 6,600 feet to 10,783 feet at the summit of South Baldy Peak.
The San Mateo Mountains, southwest of Magdalena, parallel the Rio Grande Valley. National forest lands begin on the high benches west of the river and extend up and over the mountains’ crest.
The McClellan Creek National Grassland contains 1,449 acres near Pampa, Texas, and includes the Lake McClellan Recreation Area.
Among the many attractions of the Manzano Mountains is the largest stand of Rocky Mountain large tooth maples in New Mexico at the head of Tajique Canyon.
Popular with equestrian riders, the Manzano Mountains West offer portal trails into the Wilderness that connect to larger trail systems offering opportunities for exploration.
Mt. Taylor is the highest peak around at 11,301 feet and is an area of special religious and cultural significance to several Native American communities.
The Zuni Mountains are rich in cultural resources including many historic sawmills and logging communities. Now, the Zuni's are home to a network of mountain biking trails that draw visitors from all over the Southwest.
Within the short grass prairie of the southern Great Plains lie the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands.
Just east of Albuquerque are the most visited mountains in New Mexico. Millions of people journey into the Sandia Mountains each year.
The Sandia Mountains are part of the signature of Albuquerque's unique sense of place.
The Manzanita Mountains rise south of Tijeras Canyon and extends to Cañon de los Seis at the north end of the Manzano Mountains, about 15 miles to the south. The area has an extensive network of trails available for motorized and nonmotorized use that are most popular with mountain bikers.
Recreation
Coyote TH, Coyote Trls 05620, 05619, 05851, FR 462
Site Open
Coyote Trailhead provides access to the Manzanita Mountains Trail System.The turn off to Coyote Trailhead is approximately 2 miles south of I-40, on NM 337.The first trailhead on that turn off is…
Croton Creek Trailhead
Site Open
Trailhead accesses dispersed camping area.
Doc Long Picnic Site
Site Closed
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…
East Bluff #1 Campground - Lake McClellan
Site Open
East Bluff #1 Campground offers picnicking and camping opportunities at Lake McClellan.Campsites on Lake McClellan. The lake dries up seasonally. Call ahead for more informaiton.
Ellis Trailhead, Ellis Trail 202 & FR 488
Site Open
Winter Access Alert: Road Conditions
Please check New Mexico Roads prior to visiting the Sandia Crest Highway during the winter season. Potential weather and safety related road closures may be in…
Embudito Trailhead & Embudito Trail 192
Site Open
The Embudito Trailhead gives access to Embudito Trail 192. The trail is 6 miles one way. It begins at Embudito Trailhead and ends at South Crest Trail 130. It intersects with Three Gun Trail aka…
Encino Trailhead
Site Open
Felt Picnic Site
Site Open
Fishermans Point Fishing Site
Site Open
Recreation site at Lake McClellan.Campsites on Lake McClellan. The lake may dry up seasonally. Call ahead for more information.
Forest Service Road 106
Site Open
Forest Service Road 106 is most easily accessed from Mars Court Trailhead. This trail can be reached by following FS Road 530 past the junction of FS Road 530 and FS Road 335.When you reach FS Road…