NM National Forest announces new park access pass at lower cost
em081314e/a1/One of 12 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep released into the Santa Fe National Forest, looks for her group Wednesday August 13, 2014. The sheep were captured earlier in the day near Wheeler Peak in the Carson National Forest. These bring the total to 44 sheep that New Mexico Game and Fish have relocated here this week. The sheep's new habitat is now the area burn by the Las Conchas Fire in 2011. (Eddie Moore/Albuquerque Journal)
Eddie Moore
Elizabeth Tucker Elizabeth TuckerElizabeth Tucker Journal Staff Writer
PublishedModified
The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Southwestern Regional office has partnered with the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands to offer a recreation pass specifically for day use sites on the National Forests of New Mexico.
The Enchantment Pass is available for $40 for a year and grants access to more than 30 sites across New Mexico that charge a day-use fee.
This pass aims to increase access to National Forest lands in New Mexico for “underserved communities,” by providing a more affordable option as some site fees across New Mexico are increasing to keep up with infrastructure maintenance, a news release said.
“We encourage people to get outside with friends and family to enjoy the calming sights and sounds of the forest,” said Southwestern Regional Forester Michiko Martin in a statement. “The Enchantment Pass will bolster outdoor recreation activities throughout the state, boost rural economies and increase access to recreational opportunities for everyone.”
The pass is good for up to four adults, children 15 and under are free.
The pass will be accepted at sites such as day-use areas, parking areas, picnic sites and trailheads in the Carson, Cibola, Gila, Lincoln and Santa Fe National Forests.
In Albuquerque, the pass can be purchased at the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisors Office. 2113 Osuna NE, 505-346-3900
Passes can also be purchased at other National Forest and Grassland offices across the state.
A full list of where the pass will be accepted can be found here.
Cibola National Forest
Ox canyon trailhead in Cibola National Forest within New Mexico's Manzano mountains.Donn Friedman
Chase Kennedy, seven, leads his father Steve Kennedy and the family dog, Hunter, up the short trtail to the observation point at Sandia Crest, Tuesday. While the tinder dry Cibola National Forest remains closed to campers and hikers, picnicing at established picnic grounds and visits to the crest are still allowed. The Kennedys are from Albuquerque.JAKE SCHOELLKOPF
The moon sets over The Bear Mountains in the Cibola National Forest near the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge near La Hoya.Pat Vasquez-Cunningham
A hiker enjoys the area near the Red Canyon equestrian campground in Cibola National Forest within the Manzano MountainsDonn Friedman
Red Canyon trail is open in Cibola National Forest within the Manzano Mountains as of May 24, 2020, but bathrooms at the equestrian campround are closed. Campfire restrictions are in place because of the dry weather.Donn Friedman
Douglas Brace and his daughter Frances, 2, hike on a Cienega Canyon trail in the Cibola National Forest. The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands' Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts are enacting closure orders effective Monday morning.Marla Brose
Campfires are not allowed at Sandia Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest and grasslands, except in recreation sites. Petroleum fueled stoves are allowed if it has a turn-off valve. Pictured is New Mexico Mountain Club member Sue Hildebrandt as she begins an early afternoon hike in the Elena Gallegos park. "It will be a shame if more restrictions are put in place," according to Hildebrandt.Roberto E. Rosales
Douglas Brace, left, and his familyMarla Brose
Leaves have begun to change along the Fourth of July trail at Manzano Mountains State Park at the Cibola National Forest.NICHOLAS ROBERTS
National forests are about to cut services due to the stretching of the budgets. Pictured is a Cholla cactus near La Luz trail in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains which part of the Cibola National Forest.Roberto E. Rosales
The Piedra Lisa Trail winds through the Sandia Mountain Wilderness and then enters the Cibola National Forest as it gains elevation.MIKE COHEA
