About NINE MILE PICNIC SITE
Overview Situated along the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway 536, at a cool 9,200 ft of elevation, is the large and often shaded Nine Mile Picnic Ground. Newly renovated to address maintenance needs, the picnic area now offers a combination of single, double, and group picnic sites, vault toilets, hardened walkways, grills, serving tables, information boards, and access to near by trails. Surrounded by aspen, spruce, and fir trees, this forested site offers rest and relaxation conveniently along the Byway. Parking at Nine Mile Picnic Ground is subject to the standard amenity fee. All picnic sites are first come, first served. Follow all rules and regulations. Please remember to take extra care to "Leave no trace" when you visit your public lands. There is no overnight camping at Nine Mile.Recreation Nine Mile Picnic Ground is perfect for a relaxing picnic, with wildlife viewing opportunities, or access to a number of near by trails, including the popular Challenge Trail #233. Facilities Each picnic site has tables and a grill. There is a combination of single, double, and group picnic sites all available on a first come, first served basis.Nine Mile Picnic Ground includes two vault toilets, information boards, bear safe trash receptacles, hardened walkways, and accessible parking. Natural Features The area is heavily wooded with aspen, spruce, and fir, with a mixture of level and hilly ground. Nearby Attractions Nine Mile Picnic Ground is located along the 536 Sandia Crest Scenic Byway. Also along the Scenic Byway are a number of Forest Service picnic grounds and trailheads as well as the Sandia Crest area which includes the Sandia Peak aerial tramway. Below, along the Byway, is also the Sandia Peak Ski Area.
How to Get There
From Albuquerque, drive east on I-40 to Exit 175. Proceed north on State Highway N-14 about 7 miles to State Road 536. Turn left or west, onto 536 and drive about 9 miles up to the picnic site and look for signage on your left. It is easy to miss, as the gate is set back from the road. A land mark to help you is, Capulin Picnic Site. Nine Mile Picnic Site is approximately a mile past Capulin, on the left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to NINE MILE PICNIC SITE
Heading to NINE MILE PICNIC SITE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for NINE MILE PICNIC SITE?
No central reservation system listed for NINE MILE PICNIC SITE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234492) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to NINE MILE PICNIC SITE?
From Albuquerque, drive east on I-40 to Exit 175. Proceed north on State Highway N-14 about 7 miles to State Road 536. Turn left or west, onto 536 and drive about 9 miles up to the picnic site and look for signage on your left. It is easy to miss, as the gate is set back from the road. A land mark to help you is, Capulin Picnic Site. Nine Mile Picnic Site is approximately a mile past Capulin, on t…
How do I contact NINE MILE PICNIC SITE?
You can reach the park at phone: 505-281-3304.
References & Official Resources
