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Day Use
Campground Day Use Calendar
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Water Canyon Picnic Area
Cibola National Forest and Grasslands
At the base of the Water Canyon Recreation Area sits a picnic ground nestled in the Magdalena Mountains. Four first come first served picnic sites have tables and grills that can be walked to from the shared parking area with a vault toilet. In addition, there is one group picnic shelter that is available for reservation. The group picnic shelter includes six picnic tables, one serving table, and one large pedestal grill.
Vault toilets, a shared gravel parking area, four walk-to picnic areas, one large group picnic shelter, trash receptacles, and informational kiosks are available on site.
Need to Know
All picnic sites, including the group shelter, are walk-to sites. All parking is available in a shared gravel lot that may hold approximately five cars. Walking along a gravel path is necessary to reach picnic sites.
Cell reception may vary, please be prepared.
Water Canyon Picnic Area is open year-round, but weather may impact access to the picnic area. Highest usage is often April through September.
Use of the first-come, first-served picnic areas and shared facilities requires the payment of a day use fee. Day use fees on the Cibola National Forest are $5 and may be paid in cash on site or by purchasing a Cibola National Forest Site Pass. Reservation and use of the group picnic shelter is included in the $35 reservation fee.
Natural Features
Mountain views. Access to trails. Shaded areas.
Nearby Attractions
Mesa Trail #013 is one of the first trails located up the road beyond the picnic area. In addition, Water Canyon Campground sits uphill of the picnic area by following the gravel road into the Water Canyon Recreation Area. Campsites and trails await here as well.
Recreation
Contact Information
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 575-854-2281
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Heading West on highway 60, take a left onto Water Canyon Road and follow this road as it turns from pavement to gravel. After approximately four miles along this road, the picnic area will be on your left.
