Doc Long Picnic Sites - a and B

DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B in NM — photo 4

Doc Long Picnic Sites - a and B

About this campsite

Overview

Doc Long Picnic Sites are named for Dr. William Henry Long. He was one of three forest pathologists in the USA who conducted pioneering research of tree diseases. Two picnic areas are available for reservation at this site.

Doc Long, worked in New Mexico from 1910 through the 1930s. Doc lived in a cabin on the site where the "furthest set", rustic log pavilion is now. The original pavilion and picnic ground were constructed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, also known as the CCC. Their base camp was located a short distance down State Road 536 and is now owned by the Boy Scouts of America. Pavilions A and B were added later and are adjacent to the road next to the small playing field.

The Civilian Conservation Corps has a rich history and lasting presence throughout the Sandia Mountains. In their honor, we ask that you take extra care to "leave no trace" when you visit. Please note that there is no overnight camping at Doc Long.

Recreation

There is access to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails from Doc Long. Bill Spring Trail, Oso Corridor Trail, Faulty Trail and a short pathway leading to Sulphur and Cienega picnic sites are connected to Doc Long for easy access.

The site's playing field can accommodate outdoor activities that will make your picnic a memorable one for everyone. Help your kids explore the ecosystem, and its related plants and animals through our Junior Ranger program. For more information about the Junior Ranger program, call the Sandia Ranger Station at (505) 281-3304.

The surrounding forest and the majestic mountains provide a beautiful location for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor recreation. Bring your camera.

Facilities

Please note: You must make two separate bookings for site A and B if you want to reserve both. Please verify the site you have reserved when checking out.

Please note: there are no grills available at Doc Long Sites A and B, please bring your own grill if needed.

Water and electricity, firewood/charcoal are not available at the site. Accessible vault toilets and bear proof trash receptacles are provided. For details, please read the "Know Before You Go" below. Doc Long offers two large, accessible group picnic shelters, which are replicas of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design. Each can accommodate up to 30 people and are equipped with multiple picnic tables. The site features a playfield area adjacent to the group shelters, interpretive displays, and a visitor information "hut" staffed by friendly volunteers. The "hut" is typically open on weekends, May 15 through October 14, to welcome visitors and provide information and assistance. PARKING: Each reservation comes with ten (10) day use parking passes which should be picked up before hand at the Sandia Ranger Station, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., (505) 281-3304. You may also print out 10 copies of you reservation confirmation if you are unable to stop in the office. *Additional dispersed picnic areas, which do not require a reservation, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each area can accommodate a small family group and have no covering. Tables and grills are provided. Help to prevent bug kill. Obtain firewood near your destination and burn it on-site: Don't Move Fire Wood. Learn more about the recreation opportunities in the Cibola National Forest & Grasslands , including the Sandia Mountain Trails and the history of the Civilian Conservation Corp .

Natural Features

The picnic area is at an altitude of 7,360 feet. It is nestled in a dense fo

Location

DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B•NM

Explore on our map Get Directions Open in Maps

Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

WED🌧️

13° / 8°

💧 97%

THU☁️

13° / 7°

💧 12%

FRI🌤️

15° / 4°

💧 8%

SAT☀️

20° / 8°

—

SUN☀️

19° / 10°

—

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

900m away

CIENEGA PICNIC SITE

Overview Beautiful, shady, cool and green are just a few words that recreationists have used to describe the Cienega Group Picnic site. It is fairly flat, accessible, semi-private and accommodates up to fifty people. There are grills, bear proof trash containers and vault toilets provided and no shelter other than the surrounding shade trees. A stream, which draws birds and other wildlife, runs through the area. There is no overnight camping at Cienega. Cienega's accessible interpretive trail/sidewalk winds around the picnic site and provides a great learning experience for those who take the time to check it out. There is an accessible patio near the beginning of the interpretive trail that is suitable for a picnic. The larger Cienega Picnic Area provides additional dispersed picnicking opportunities and access to a number of trail systems. This is a popular area for horse riders and mountain bikers. 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. Facilities The picnic site offers a semi-private space that can accommodate up to 50 people. There is no shelter, however, the trees provide plenty of shade. Water and electricity, firewood/charcoal are not available at the site. Picnic tables, grills, accessible vault toilets and bear proof trash receptacles are provided. Bears frequent the area; please use appropriate containers for food and garbage. Food Storage Keeping You and Bears Safe Natural Features Located approximately a half mile off the 536 Scenic Byway, the Cienega Picnic site is fairly flat. There is a stream that runs through it, that has created a wet meadow. It is encircled by trees and an interpretive trail/sidewalk. Nearby Attractions 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.

1.4 km away

Campbell Scout Ranch

Campground: Campbell Scout Ranch. Operated by Boy Scouts of America.

4.7 km away

BALSAM GLADE PICNIC SITE

Overview Balsam Glade Picnic Site was named by an early American settler who mistook the white fir that grows here for balsam fir, as they are similar in appearance. He called this area "Balsam Glade" for so long that the name stuck. From 1935 to 1941 the YMCA operated a summer camp for boys here. One young man who attended the camp as a youth, later became a counselor for boys at the "Y" camp. He was a fun loving fellow and gained the title "Ghost of the Sandia's" for his wild antics, like flying over the campfire on a zip line and scaring the campers. The only evidence of the 'Y' camp are two sets of steps that led thousands of hungry kids into the dining hall and out again to make more memories. Balsam Glade is a great place for you and yours to make your own memories. The surrounding forest and mountains provide a perfect backdrop for photography, flower walks, bird watching, hiking, relaxing and taking in nature and other recreational opportunities. Please note that there is no overnight camping at this picnic site. The sheltered area is a replica of a mid-1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) has a rich history and lasting presence throughout the Sandia's. In their honor, we ask that you take extra care to "leave no trace" when you visit. Recreation The nature trail within this picnic site is well suited for any age, young or old. It is .3 (three tenths) of a mile long, with very little elevation gain. It leads from the reserved site to an overlook at Madera Canyon. There you will find an observation deck where many lovers have sealed their devotion to one another thru wedding vows. Resting places and informative signage along the path give opportunity to relax and learn as you go. There is also an overgrown pathway that leads northwest from Balsam Glade toward the Capulin Picnic site. These trails are suitable for children and adults to enjoy hiking in the great outdoors. Facilities Water and electricity, firewood/charcoal are not available at the site. Accessible vault toilets and bear proof trash receptacles are provided. Balsam Glade picnic site has one covered shelter, which is a replica of a mid-1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design. It can accommodate up to 30 people and is equipped with multiple picnic tables. Bring your own grills as no grills are available. PARKING: Each reservation comes with ten (10) day use parking passes which should be picked up before hand, at the Sandia Ranger Station, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., (505) 281-3304. Additional dispersed picnic sites, which do not require a reservation, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site can accommodate a small family group and have no covering. Tables and grills provided. Natural Features The picnic site is located at an elevation of about 8,650 feet. It is adjacent to La Madera Canyon Overlook with views of South Mountain. Elevation gain throughout this site is minimal. La Madera Overlook affords views of the eastern Sandias and beyond. Hawks and turkey vultures fly through the canyon in graceful circles scouting for food. A fault line reveals pre-Cambrian rocks intermixed with ancient Sandia granite. Mountain mahagony grows near the overlook on the sunny and drier slopes. Yucca, pinon and juniper trees grow here also, above their normal vegetation levels creating a diversified ecosystem. Nearby Attractions There are privately owned businesses and restaurants all along NM State Road 14 and a museum on your way up the 536 Scenic Byway. If you are interested in taking a short jaunt to the very top of the Sandia Mountains, take a right turn out of the Balsam Glade parking area, onto the Sandia C

5.5 km away

CAPULIN SPRING PICNIC SITE

Overview 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. The spring at Capulin Spring runs year-round and is a much visited spot by birders, especially in the dry season because thirsty birds flock to this area for a nice, cool drink of water. Look for the big log and you will find beautiful birds of all types, sizes and colors. Remember to bring your camera. The sheltered area is a replica of a mid-1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) has a rich history and lasting presence throughout the Sandia's. In their honor, we ask that you take extra care to "leave no trace" when you visit. Please be aware that there is no overnight camping at Capulin Spring. Recreation The Capulin Peak Trail starts at the Capulin Snow Play Area parking lot and is about .6 miles to the summit, with only 150 feet of elevation gain. It is shady for the most part but the final leg of the trail is rocky with lots of scrub brush. Just below the summit on the main trail are the ruins of an old mining shack and mining pit. Another option is Capulin Spring trail. It is a short walk down the hill on the service road. It is a popular location for bird watching and photography. These trails are suitable for children and adults to enjoy. Facilities The reservation site can accommodate up to 50 people. Capulin Picnic Site includes a group picnic shelter, that is a modern day version of the Civilian Conservation Corps design found in most all of our picnic areas, six accessible picnic tables, food prep/serving tables and two large pedestal charcoal grills. The picnic pad, pathways and parking area are paved and accessible. **Water and Electricity, firewood /charcoal are not available at the site. Accessible vault toilets and bear proof trash receptacles are provided. PARKING: Each reservation comes with ten day use parking passes which should be picked up before hand, at the Sandia Ranger Station, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a m and 4:30 p m, (505) 281-3304. *Additional dispersed picnic areas, which do not require a reservation, are available on a first-come,first-served basis. Each area can accommodate a small family group and have no covering. Tables and grills are provided. Natural Features Capulin Spring is located two miles above Sandia Peak Ski Area at an elevation of 8,740 feet. It has hills and is heavily wooded around the perimeter of the site. There is a year-round spring that runs through it. The Sandia's are home to mule deer, black bear, mountain lions and many other species of wildlife and birds, including golden eagles often seen soaring overhead. Nearby Attractions It is a short trip to the Sandia Crest. Take a right out of the Capulin parking lot and continue up Scenic Byway 536 to the top, for a magnificent view of Albuquerque and surrounding areas from the Sandia Crest overlook. The Crest was voted "Best Place to Pop the Question" in 2010... and it still is! The Kiwanas Cabin was built by the CCC in the 1930s and is located south of the Sandia Crest and can be seen from the Crest observation deck. The Peak area provides two launch pads for hang gliding, which is a popular sport during summer months. On summer weekends the Sandia Peak Ski Area lift makes runs to the top where the Sandia Tram and High Finance Restaurant are perched. Turn left out of Capulin Spring onto State Road 536. The ski area is a short distance down the road and located on the right side of the 536. For more info: (505)242-9052 or (505)856-1532. There are privately owned businesses and restaurants all along NM State Road 14 and a museum on your way up the 536 Scenic Byway.

5.6 km away

NINE MILE PICNIC SITE

Overview Situated along the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway 536, at a cool 9,200 ft of elevation, is the large and often shaded Nine Mile Picnic Ground. Newly renovated to address maintenance needs, the picnic area now offers a combination of single, double, and group picnic sites, vault toilets, hardened walkways, grills, serving tables, information boards, and access to near by trails. Surrounded by aspen, spruce, and fir trees, this forested site offers rest and relaxation conveniently along the Byway. Parking at Nine Mile Picnic Ground is subject to the standard amenity fee. All picnic sites are first come, first served. Follow all rules and regulations. Please remember to take extra care to "Leave no trace" when you visit your public lands. There is no overnight camping at Nine Mile. Recreation Nine Mile Picnic Ground is perfect for a relaxing picnic, with wildlife viewing opportunities, or access to a number of near by trails, including the popular Challenge Trail #233. Facilities Each picnic site has tables and a grill. There is a combination of single, double, and group picnic sites all available on a first come, first served basis. Nine Mile Picnic Ground includes two vault toilets, information boards, bear safe trash receptacles, hardened walkways, and accessible parking. Natural Features The area is heavily wooded with aspen, spruce, and fir, with a mixture of level and hilly ground. Nearby Attractions Nine Mile Picnic Ground is located along the 536 Sandia Crest Scenic Byway. Also along the Scenic Byway are a number of Forest Service picnic grounds and trailheads as well as the Sandia Crest area which includes the Sandia Peak aerial tramway. Below, along the Byway, is also the Sandia Peak Ski Area.