FR 542 - Cibola National Forest

Forest Road 542 is located in the Manzanita Mountains south of Interstate 40 within the Sandia Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest. Just under 15 minutes from Albuquerque, this trail, which is part of the Manzanita Mountains Trail System provides an opportunity to quickly get out of the city and into nature without much fuss. FR542 is relatively easy to traverse and perfect for someone wanting to ease into off-roading and learn to use their 4WD vehicle; however, it also offers optional challenges, including a set of 12”-18” shelves off to the side of one section of the trail for the more adventurous wheeler. The Manzanita Mountains Recreation Zone doesn’t have an amenity fee and is open year-round. With trails for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, OHV riding and motorized vehicle use, along with camping, picnic sites and beautiful views from within a fresh pine forest, this area has something for everyone. The Manzanitas Mountains are adjacent to the Manzano Mountain Wilderness. Manzanita is Spanish for “little apple.” The village of Manzano (apple), as well as the mountains, got their name from explorers in the 1700s who noticed very old apple trees growing there – a curiosity to them as apple trees are not native to this country.