National Forest · NM,TX,OK

Dogs in Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Dog-friendly

The Cibola spreads across four sky island districts near Albuquerque plus three grasslands reaching into Oklahoma and Texas, so most trails and open country are open to dogs.

Dogs are welcome on trails across the Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena, and Mt Taylor districts and on the Black Kettle, McClellan Creek, Kiowa, and Rita Blanca grasslands. Leash them at developed sites like the Sandia Crest area and Capilla Peak Campground, and keep them under control on open trails and in the Sandia Mountain, Manzano Mountain, Withington, and Apache Kid wilderness areas.

Where dogs are allowed

Dogs are welcome on trails across the Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena, and Mt Taylor districts and on the Black Kettle, McClellan Creek, Kiowa, and Rita Blanca grasslands. Leash them at developed sites like the Sandia Crest area and Capilla Peak Campground, and keep them under control on open trails and in the Sandia Mountain, Manzano Mountain, Withington, and Apache Kid wilderness areas.

Seasonal closures

Fire restrictions and project closures come and go, including work near the Sandia Crest switchback, so check current alerts before you go.

Leash rule

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
U.S. Forest Service
View the Forest Service page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Forest

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands?

The Cibola spreads across four sky island districts near Albuquerque plus three grasslands reaching into Oklahoma and Texas, so most trails and open country are open to dogs. Dogs are welcome on trails across the Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena, and Mt Taylor districts and on the Black Kettle, McClellan Creek, Kiowa, and Rita Blanca grasslands. Leash them at developed sites like the Sandia Crest area and Capilla Peak Campground, and keep them under control on open trails and in the Sandia Mountain, Manzano Mountain, Withington, and Apache Kid wilderness areas.

What is the leash rule at Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands?

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Are there seasonal closures for dogs at Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands?

Fire restrictions and project closures come and go, including work near the Sandia Crest switchback, so check current alerts before you go.

Are service animals allowed at Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.