Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) –Visitors to the Sandia Mountains need to be aware of a major forest management project in the area that will result in extended closures near the crest. The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands issued a closure order for parts of the Sandia Crest area effective this Thursday at 6am. The project is aimed at reducing wildfire risk and protecting critical infrastructure and will involve mechanized thinning across 140 acres. The closure includes several popular destinations and access points like the Ellis Trailhead, Sandia Crest Recreation Site and portions of NM State Highway 536 beyond the 10K Trailhead parking lot. The order will remain in effect through mid January of 2027 unless lifted earlier.
