DOC LONG PICNIC AREA — Attraction in New Mexico

I recently attended a meeting and our group reserved one of the covered picnic areas which was great. I’ve been to this area in the national forest many times over the years for picnics/ meetings, hiking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. This is beautiful wooded area with many trails close to the bottom of the mountain with lots of birds and popular with birders. There are 2 beautiful information signs about birds in the area provided by Bird Alliance of Central New Mexico (National Audubon sub group). Wildlife like deer, rabbits, squirrels, bobcats, coyotes, cougars and black bears also inhabit this area in the Sandia Mountains. An abundance of wild flowers and native plant species thrive here. There is a small fee of 3.00 to park your car. There are bathrooms- very clean in the area as well - water is not provided, but there is water in some of the streams (need to filter to safety drink. Bring water, food, sunscreen and appropriate clothing if you plan to spend time on the trails or even if you want to drive on the paved road all the way up to the mountain top for spectacular vistas at almost...

I needed a place to sleep/car camp while traveling during a hot summer night from Jemez Springs to Oklahoma so I ventured up in the cool mountains above Albuquerque and found this Doc Long Picnic area on google maps. It is a fairly big place and perfect for a day picnic and hiking—it looks to be popular with large groups. The bathrooms were very nice. Since I arrived at midnight I payed the $3 "day" fee near the entrance, backed my car in a spot and rested for the night, that next morning after enjoying my coffee and getting some computer work done at a shaded picnic table—I really didn't want to leave! This is a very peaceful and powerful place and I definitely want to come back and explore the area...

This is a nice park from the East side of the Sandia mountains. We like to use it as a base point to access trails in the area, when we're not looking to spend the extra time to drive up higher on the mountain. It's nice to get in a cooler like in the trees and higher elevation compared to the west side, during the summer. There are nice trails that start in the park, and also trails that you can park along the roadway and access to a clear across from it. I've been back several times. I would recommend to others to try. Tip is to remember to bring some dollar bills to pay the $3...