FR 542 - Cibola National Forest

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5/5 (7 reviews)
Tijeras, New Mexico (Bernalillo County)
Last Updated: 04/30/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

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.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (7)
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Official Crew
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13150
Temporary Closure
Visited: 04/30/2022

We ran the Manzanitas trails in late April before the fire closures. At the time, trails were as expected but some stretches of FR 12 have become heavily rutted with lots of evidence of people going off the trail. These trails are currently closed under the Cibola National Forest fire closure order.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 03/13/2021

Just picked up an FJ Cruiser yesterday and couldn't wait to hit the trails. I thought FR542 was a great place to start. This trail offers some fun challenges along the way and is fairly rocky. It's an easy trail but there are some nice shelves to climb if you're so "inclined".
Trail Review: FR 542 - Cibola National Forest - Phil Polski
Trail Review: FR 542 - Cibola National Forest - Phil Polski
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Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/15/2020

Rocky with a few ruts, but no problems with a 2020 stock Jeep Gladiator. Nice view at the top. Decided to go up and back down 542 instead of taking the Forest road 220.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/16/2019

I explored this trail on the way up to the Cedro Peak fire tower. It was no problem for my '15 Willys. Very rocky in some places. Easy drive from ABQ. You can get to Cedro Peak much easier from the other side via rd 252, but who wants to do that?
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Official Crew
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13150
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/16/2019

Went out on this trail for Father's Day with the express purpose of getting into one of the dispersed camping sites to enjoy some family time. Trail was in great shape and we had a blast!
Trail Review: FR 542 - Cibola National Forest - Scott Mitchell
Trail Review: FR 542 - Cibola National Forest - Scott Mitchell
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