Balsam Glade Picnic Site

Balsam Glade Picnic Site was named by an early American settler who mistook the white fir that grows here for balsam fir, as they are similar in appearance. He called this area "Balsam Glade" for so long that the name stuck. From 1935 to 1941 the YMCA operated a summer camp for boys here; the only evidence left of the camp is two sets of steps that led thousands of hungry kids into the dining hall and out again. The sheltered area is a replica of a mid-1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design. The CCC has a rich history and lasting presence throughout the Sandias, and in their honor we ask that you take extra care to leave no trace when you visit. Balsam Glade has one covered shelter, which can accommodate up to 30 people and is equipped with multiple picnic tables. Bring your own grills, as no grills are available. Water, electricity and firewood or charcoal are not available at the site. Accessible vault toilets and bear proof trash receptacles are provided. Each reservation comes with ten day use parking passes, which should be picked up beforehand at the Sandia Ranger Station, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Additional dispersed picnic sites, which do not require a reservation, are available on a first-come, first-served basis; each can accommodate a small family group, has no covering, and has tables and grills provided. There is no overnight camping at this picnic site. The nature trail within this picnic site is well suited for any age, young or old. It is three tenths of a mile long, with very little elevation gain, and leads from the reserved site to an overlook at Madera Canyon, where an observation deck has seen many couples seal their devotion through wedding vows. Resting places and informative signage along the path give opportunity to relax and learn as you go. There is also an overgrown pathway that leads northwest from Balsam Glade toward the Capulin picnic site. The picnic site is located at an elevation of about 8,650 feet, adjacent to La Madera Canyon Overlook with views of South Mountain, the eastern Sandias and beyond. Elevation gain throughout the site is minimal. Hawks and turkey vultures fly through the canyon in graceful circles scouting for food. A fault line reveals pre-Cambrian rocks intermixed with ancient Sandia granite. Mountain mahogany grows near the overlook on the sunny and drier slopes, and yucca, pinon and juniper trees grow here also, above their normal vegetation levels, creating a diversified ecosystem. The surrounding forest and mountains provide a perfect backdrop for photography, flower walks, bird watching, hiking, relaxing and taking in nature. There are privately owned businesses and restaurants all along NM State Road 14 and a museum on the way up the 536 Scenic Byway, which extends 13.6 miles from the base of the Sandias to the Sandia Crest, where you will find parking, a gift store, snack bar and a lookout deck with panoramic views in any direction you look. Sunsets are spectacular. It is a popular path for motorcyclists, with its winding road to the peak, and the peak area provides two launch pads for hang gliding, a popular sport during summer months.