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/ Albuquerque Journal
Elizabeth Tucker Elizabeth TuckerElizabeth Tucker Journal Staff Writer
PublishedModified
In honor of National Public Lands Day, the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands will waive entrance fees for day-use recreation sites on Saturday, according to a news release.
On National Public Lands Day, volunteers work to maintain trails and clean up trash across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
This year’s theme is “30 Years of Care and Community,” celebrating 30 years of the holiday, the release said.
In addition to the free entry, the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department has announced free fishing for National Hunting and Fishing Day.
There are five fee-free days throughout the year — aimed at encouraging Americans to visit their public lands — the last one for this year will be Nov. 11, Veterans Day.
It should be noted that backcountry trails in Chaco Canyon are currently closed due to flooding, according to the National Park Service’s website.
The closed trails are includes Wijiji, Pueblo Alto, Peñasco Blanco, and South Mesa trails.
The site stated trails will be reopened after they are assessed for safety.
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
