Juan Tabo Picnic area is full of Civilian Conservation Corps (aka CCC) history.

The CCC was an early New Deal program begun by President Roosevelt in 1933 and continuing through 1942. During the Great Depression, The Civilian Conservation Corps employed young men across the nation, to work on projects to build and improve state and national forests and parks. Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains, and the entire state of New Mexico gained facilities that are still used and enjoyed today. The structures you see in the Juan Tabo area are almost 90 years old! They have truly stood the test of time.

Look for buildings, tables and grills created out of large rock, that blend into the landscape. They are tucked away in the boulders just waiting to be discovered and used. So, remember to bring a picnic and marvel at the beauty in the Sandias’.

Cibola National Forest covers more than 1.6 million acres and includes mountains, grasslands, wilderness, and forests. The name Cibola comes from the Zuni word for their tribal lands, which the Spanish later translated as "buffalo". The forest is home black bears, cougars, elk, and pronghorn. Cibola National Forest offers many recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and skiing. It also has cultural and historical significance, as it contains ancient Native American sites and historic trails.

The National Forest has four ranger districts: Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena, and Mount Taylor. In addition, the Cibola has four wilderness areas: Sandia Mountain, Manzano Mountain, Withington, and Apache Kid.