In Brief
- Access to the Sandia Crest Recreation Area will be blocked for nearly 2 years.
- The Forest Service plans to thin the vegetation at the top of the mountain and remove dead trees to prevent wildfire risks.
- The Crest House will be demolished and the visitor area will be completely revamped.
- The Sandia Peak Tram will not be impacted.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Starting as early as April 1, the Cibola National Forest will shut down the Sandia Crest Recreation Area until fall 2027.
Forest officials are planning to conduct several maintenance and construction projects in the area.
“The use of heavy machinery and log trucks to remove accumulated fuels will require partial closures of New Mexico Highway 536 which will have impacts to visitor access. Much loved trails and recreation destinations will be impacted, but visitors have an opportunity to explore alternative destinations on the Cibola National Forest until project work can be completed,” the Forest Service said on its website…