Like most of the National Forests located in the western states, the Cibola National Forest grew out of lands that originally were known as Forest Reserves. These reserves were first established in the late 180 and early 190 as a means of affording protection to natural resources, such as watersheds, trees and soils. Cibola, pronounced See ‘ -bo-lah, is thought to be the original Zuni Indian name for their group of pueblos or tribal lands. Later, the Spanish interpreted the word to mean, “buffalo.”Valued for its recreation opportunities, natural beauty, timber, watersheds, water, forage and wilderness resources, the forest is managed to give the American people the greatest benefits that can be produced on a permanent basis.
History & Culture
Secretary of Agriculture James Wilson’s directive of February 1, 1905, held special significance for the people of Arizona and New Mexico. Wilson announced the transfer of the Forest Reserves to the Department of Agriculture as authorized by Congress (H. R. 8460) on that same day. Some 21 million acres of public lands, almost one-eighth of the surface area of Arizona and New Mexico, were now to be administered by a regional subdivision of the Forest Ser vice. “All land,” Wilson said, “is to be devoted to its most productive use for the permanent good of the whole people. All the resources of the forest reserves are for use.” In 1908, Chief Forester Gifford Pinchot appointed Arthur C. Ringland the first District Forester of the newly organized Southwestern district, or district 3. These Forest Service “districts” became “regions” after 1930.
The Forest Service was charged to maintain the permanence of the resources of the National Forests, while providing for their use. The great concern of Congress, as reflected in the Organic Administration Act of 1897, was to continue the prosperity of the agricultural, lumbering, mining and livestock interests directly dependent upon the water, wood, minerals and forage of the public domain. Over the past three-quarters of a century the use of the renewable and nonrenewable resources of the Southwest had increased at a rapid rate.
Recreation
Camping
All developed recreation areas on the Cibola National Forest allow camping except those on the Sandia Ranger District, which are for group camping and day-use picnicking. Most campgrounds are more than an hour’s drive from Albuquerque; Tajique or Fourth of July campgrounds on the Mountainair Ranger District are nearest and are approximately 50 miles from the Albuquerque city limits. Developed campgrounds have a 2-week camping limit during any one visit. The Cibola National Forest has no national forest administered cabins or lodges. National Forest campground units are suitable for tents and most recreational vehicles; however, large trailers may not be able to negotiate all campground roads.
Backpacking
If you are backpacking, there are no regulations governing the size of groups on the Cibola National Fotest. But a maximum of 10 is recommended. Special orders limit your stay to 14 days in a 45-day period. Most backcountry areas are quite dry; most streams and springs do not flow throughout the year. You will need to carry water for drinking and camping in the backcountry.
Please remember mountain backcountry is rugged and isolated and there are no camping facilities in these undeveloped areas. We recommend that you consult the local ranger district office before planning an extended trip.
Winter Sports
Downhill skiing is available at the Sandia Peak Ski Area, located on the east side of the Sandia Mountains.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Cibola National Forest
2113 Osuna Road, NE, Suite A
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Phone: 505-346-3900
Weather/Climate
The climate at Cibola National Forest varies with elevation from desert up through juniper, pine and spruce-fir forests. The high country winter is severe. Summer nights are cool and cold above 8,000 feet. July and August have frequent afternoon showers due to the monsoon season.
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