Group Picnic Site
Trail with fall colors
Sign for Cienega trail No. 266 and path.
Trail Bridge
Cienega Sign

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms

About Cienega Picnic Site

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.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

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Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Grill
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Missing information?

Reviews

7 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Cienega Picnic Site is a wonderful location for group gatherings, offering a pleasant atmosphere. Visitors express excitement about returning in the future. Overall, it’s a highly recommended spot for picnics.

Based on guest feedback

4.1

Overall rating

Based on 7 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 14.3% (1)
4 stars 85.7% (6)
3 stars 0.0% (0)
2 stars 0.0% (0)
1 star 0.0% (0)

Showing 7 reviews

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Kyu P

September 11, 2022

Excellent place for group picnic...wish the place had more flat areas that are shaded for group games/activities. Otherwise, very private and nice area.

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Kyu P

September 11, 2022

Excellent place for group picnic...wish the place had more flat areas that are shaded for group games/activities. Otherwise, very private and nice area.

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Kyu P

September 13, 2023

Excellent picnic area for group of 40+. wish this area had a large flat field for group activities.

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Kyu P

September 13, 2023

Excellent picnic area for group of 40+. wish this area had a large flat field for group activities.

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David R

July 11, 2024

The area was perfect for our group. Most excellent and we’ll use it again.

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David R

July 11, 2024

The area was perfect for our group. Most excellent and we’ll use it again.

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Larissa R

May 31, 2026

This a lovely space to share with a group, we can't wait to come back!!

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Location & Directions for Cienega Picnic Site

Sandia Ranger District, Tijeras, NM 87059 United States

Elevation: 2,286 ft

Getting There

From Albuquerque, drive east on I-40 to Exit 175. Proceed north on Highway 14 about 7 mi to Highway 536. Turn onto Highway 536 and wind your way up. Look for signage for Cienega and Sulphur picnic sites on your left. They share the same entrance. ...

Nearest town

Tijeras, NM - 9.2 mi

About 15 min to downtown

Highway access

Cienega Picnic Site is accessible from Interstate 40 via Exit 175, followed by a northbound drive on Highway 14 for approximately 7 miles to Highway 536.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 7, 2026

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Explore Tijeras, NM

Population: 524

Nearby city: Rio Rancho, NM

Approx. 16 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 6,293 ft

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