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Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands
Picturesque!
The Cibola is spread far and wide across the width of New Mexico and into the grasslands of Texas and Oklahoma - the season varies so check your local ranger district for the status.
The Enchantment of Forest, Wilderness and Grasslands
The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands encompasses 1.9 million acres. The 4 “sky island” ranger districts: Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena, and Mt Taylor cover more than 1.6 million acres in New Mexico with elevations range up to 11,301 ft. The Cibola also has four wilderness areas: Sandia Mountain, Manzano Mountain, Withington and Apache Kid and administers four National Grasslands: Black Kettle, McClellan Creek, Kiowa and Rita Blanca covering 263,261 acres in northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma and northern Texas.
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Smokey Bear Reading Challenge
Help celebrate Smokey Bear's 80th Birthday.
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A family fire legacy
Matthew Rau, fire staff officer on the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands in New Mexico and incident commander of a Southwest Complex Incident Management Team, never imagined being where he is today. But he had mentors and leaders that believed in his abilities along the way.
Prepare for Your Visit
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Recreation Sites
Four season opportunities for visitors to the forests, wilderness and grasslands
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Find Your Way
Cibola area maps are available in all formats and for all devices. Plan ahead by mapping your adventure.
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Passes & Permits
Check out what fees are required and what passes are available. Know before heading out.
Discover More about the Cibola
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Caring for the Land
Learn more about how the Cibola is managed and cared for, including forest planning, travel management, grazing management and annual operating instructions (AOIs), assessments, and special projects.
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The Cibola's New Land Management Plan
In July 2022, the Cibola released a new, long-term plan that provides direction for the management for the Cibola National Forest’s four mountain districts.
Recent News
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Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round: Get Your Home in Condition to Resist Wildfire Ignitions
Release Date: Apr 4, 2024
Features
Past Volunteering Events
Please take some time to learn about these amazing volunteers.
Cibola Offering Recreation Passes Online
Planning to visit the Cibola? Now you can purchase your day use pass on line! Save the hassle of finding cash for the fee envelope and instead purchase a digital pass through our partner, Recreation.gov. This pass can be used for all sites that charge a day use fee on Sandia Ranger District, and at Lake McClellan on Black Kettle Ranger District. Purchase your pass ahead of time or directly at the site when you visit; your license plate will be used to verify your purchase.
Spotlights
Award Winners!
Congratulations to the Kiowa National Grassland and the Canadian River Riparian Restoration Project for their USDA Forest Service National Rise to the Future Award.
Thank you!
The Mountainair Ranger District is grateful for work done by Forest Stewards Guild Youth Corps including recreation site upgrades and trail work.
Be Bear Aware
Bear educational material.
Cougar Country
Cougar educational material.
Alerts & Warnings
- 03-03-06-24-03 Tempoprary Area Closure - Lake Marvin Area - Smokehouse Fire
- Area Closure for Cedro 4 Project Area on the Sandia Ranger District
- 03-03-03-24-01 Bear Trap Fire Area and Road Closures
- Occupancy & Use Prohibitions Forest Order #03-03-00-23-03
- Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun is prohibited
