CIENEGA PICNIC SITE

Recreation
A variety of biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails are available from within the picnic area, including one leading to the mountain crest. The nearly 10-mile round-trip trail winds through a fir forest, abundant with wildflowers. Much of the hike is in the shade, although the terrain can be rough. Day hikes are available along the route. In non-drought times, the trails follow a mountain stream with a beautiful travertine waterfall. Make sure to bring a detailed trail map such as the Sandia Mountain Wilderness map, or the Sandia Mountain Trails Guide . An accessible interpretive trail leads along the nearby stream and meadow, called "La Cienega" which means wet meadow. This unique trail was cooperatively built, by the New Mexico Association for the Blind and the Forest Service, for persons with a disability or otherwise limited physical mobility.

Nearby
There are privately owned businesses and restaurants all along NM State Road 14 and a museum on your way up the 536 Scenic Byway as you head toward Cienega Group Picnic area. The Sandia Crest 536 Scenic Byway is a popular route to explore with access to many hiking, biking, and horse riding trails along the way. The Sandia Mountain Wilderness is accessed from a number of the nearby trails.