DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B

Doc Long Picnic Sites are named for Dr. William Henry Long, one of three forest pathologists in the USA who conducted pioneering research of tree diseases. Doc Long worked in New Mexico from 1910 through the 1930s and lived in a cabin on the site where the furthest-set rustic log pavilion now stands. The original pavilion and picnic ground were constructed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose base camp was located a short distance down State Road 536 and is now owned by the Boy Scouts of America. Pavilions A and B were added later and are adjacent to the road next to the small playing field. The CCC has a rich history and lasting presence throughout the Sandia Mountains, and in their honor we ask that you take extra care to leave no trace when you visit. Doc Long offers two large, accessible group picnic shelters, which are replicas of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design. Each can accommodate up to 30 people and is equipped with multiple picnic tables. There are no grills available at sites A and B, so please bring your own if needed. 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.; you may also print out 10 copies of your reservation confirmation if you are unable to stop in the office. Additional dispersed picnic areas, 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 Doc Long. The site features a playfield area adjacent to the group shelters, interpretive displays, and a visitor information "hut" staffed by friendly volunteers, typically open on weekends, May 15 through October 14, to welcome visitors and provide information and assistance. To help prevent bug kill, obtain firewood near your destination and burn it on-site. There is access to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails from Doc Long. The Bill Spring Trail, Oso Corridor Trail, Faulty Trail and a short pathway leading to the Sulphur and Cienega picnic sites are all connected for easy access. The site's playing field can accommodate outdoor activities, and a Junior Ranger program helps kids explore the ecosystem and its related plants and animals. The surrounding forest and the majestic mountains provide a beautiful location for sightseeing, hiking and outdoor recreation; bring your camera. The picnic area is at an altitude of 7,360 feet, nestled in a dense forest of towering ponderosa pines and surrounded by mountainous terrain. The Sandias are home to mule deer, black bear and many other species of wildlife and birds, including the red-tailed hawk, predator of the playful Abert's squirrel, who is a year-round resident of the Doc Long site. 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 there is 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 and auto touring, with its winding road to the peak, and the peak area provides two launch pads for hang gliding, a popular sport during summer months.