Destination Wild

Overview

The Oak Flat Group picnic site includes a combination of three different picnic sites and a trailhead, that border four communal playing fields suitable for all sorts of outdoor games. The site is paved and accessible. It is a great place for play, rest and recreation. The picnic sites are surrounded by ponderosa pine forest, mixed with oak, piaon, juniper, and plenty of yucca plants -- New Mexico's state flower. You can look at the day use map, to choose your reserved picnic site, by clicking on the tab above this overview. There is no overnight camping at this site.

The sheltered sites are replicas of the mid-1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) has a rich history and lasting presence throughout the Sandias and Manzanitas. In their honor, we ask that you take extra care to leave no trace when you visit.

Recreation

There are four large, shared playing fields perfect for outdoor activities. Want to hike? Oak Flat Trailhead leads into a widespread, multiuser trail system shared by mountain bikers, hikers, horseback riders and dirt bikes. The parking lot is small, but is able to accommodate small trailers for horses and motorcycles. However, we suggest horseback riders use the Pine Flat picnic site for trailering. It is located on State Hwy 337. The trail from Pine Flat connects to the Oak Flat site trail system, has larger trailering parking slots and is a shorter drive from I-40 and Historic Route 66/333. Pine Flat also has two reservation sites for picnicking.

If you stay into the evening, the stars will dazzle you. Once a month from May to September, the Albuquerque Astronomical Association has a STAR PARTY. You can find the link to info, in the Know Before You Go section.

Facilities

Natural Features

The Oak Flat Group picnic site is just that. It is 7,660 feet above sea level, and as flat as a pancake. The Oak Flat Trailhead leads to a trail system with a variance in elevation of 50-200 feet as the trails amble through the forest. You can find a link to the Manzanita Mountain Trail map in the Know Before You Go section.