Cibola NF--FR-549

Cibola NF--FR-549

Magdalena, New Mexico 87825

Cibola National Forest Official Website

Tips for Birding

The hotspot coordinates are located on the northern portion of this lengthy road, far longer than eBird guidelines suggest for individual checklists. Therefore, it is helpful if eBirders record in their checklist comments where they have made their observations. This is especially true because the Bear Canyon Campground hotspot includes a portion of FR-549;  that is, the hotspots overlap.  

Birds of Interest

Owing to winter road and campground closures, almost all records for the northern San Mateo Mountains are during the 5 months of May through September. Species frequently found in the mountains include Common Nighthawk, Common Poorwill, Mexican Whip-poor-will, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Flammulated Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, Plumbeous Vireo, Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Chickadee, both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglet, Grace’s Warbler, and Red-faced Warbler. American Goshawk has been listed on multiple occasions within the San Mateos.

About this Location

This dirt US Forest Service road, sometimes called Old State Highway 52, runs south from US-60 at a point about 12 miles west of Magdalena, first through some 6 miles of desert plateau grassland and then for over 25 miles through the northwest San Mateo Mountains before connecting to the current NM-52.  

About Cibola National Forest

See all hotspots at Cibola National Forest

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.

Notable Trails

Due to its length, FR-549 may be used to access many trails in the northern San Mateos. One that is near the hotspot coordinates is Forest Trail #91, the Monica Trail.

Features

  • Roadside viewing

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Cibola National Forest Official Website and John Montgomery

Last updated February 10, 2024