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.
Pine Shadow Trailhead
Site Open
PinoTrailhead-Elena Gallegos Trailhead
Site Open
Trailhead access to Forest Service trails: Pino Trail 140, Domigo Baca Trail 230, Foothills Trail 365 and also Open Space trails.This trailhead is owned, operated and maintained by City of…
Placitas Trailhead
Site Open
Please refer to the Placitas Area Trail System map and Sandia Mountain Trails map to plan your course.Cell phone coverage is not guaranteedIt is the recreationist’s responsibility to know which…
Quaking Aspen Campground
Site Closed
Quaking Aspen campground offers a respite from the heat in a setting of aspen and mature ponderosa pine trees. Approximately 6 miles south of Fort Wingate, this is the most recently renovated…
Red Canyon Campground
Site Open
Sites: 38Elevation: 7,600Large, well shaded campground (38 units + 11 picnic sites in the lower loop). This is a good way into Manzano Wilderness via Red and Spruce Canyon trails on foot or…
Red Canyon/spruce Spring Trailhead
Site Open
Red Cloud Campground
Site Open
Small (5 sites) quiet and primitive camp in a Ponderosa forest at 7600´elevation. Located near an old mining district, the campground gets heavy use in fall hunting seasons, less at other times.
Red Cloud Picnic Site
Site Open
Red Cloud Picnic Site
Sandia Man Cave, Trailhead & Trail 72
Site Open
The Sandia Man Cave is located on the north end of the Sandia Mountains high up on the steep cliff walls of Las Huertas Canyon. The trailhead is off of NM 165 and is marked with a sign. It is a…
Sandia Peak Ski Area Alpine
Site Open
For more information: Sandia Peak Ski & Tram