Openings · last 7 days
0
01 · Detected Opening History · the openings record · file CS-234496
When DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B reopens
DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B's openings record: every site-date Campsite Sniper detected turning available, logged and time-stamped. Refreshed hourly.
Openings · last 30 days
1
Openings · last 90 days
1
Only 1 opening in the last 90 days: not enough recent activity for a reliable pattern. A free Campsite Sniper alert watches around the clock instead, and pings you the moment one opens.
02 · Availability Outlook · Sep 18 – Oct 15, 2026 · of 2 monitored sites
Of the 56 tracked reservation dates (Sep 18 – Oct 15, 2026): 40 open for online reservation · 16 reserved.
Where the open windows are
28.6% of tracked reservation dates are not currently open for online reservation. 40 of 56 remain open; here is where they are.
Load status
Sep 18 – Oct 15, 2026Not open online28.6%
Open reservation dates40 / 56
Reserved (of online inventory)16 / 56
Weekday openings31
Weekend openings9
Of the open reservation dates on mapped day-use units, 31 fall on weekdays and 9 on weekends (Fri–Sun).
Open dates by month
Sep 2026 – Oct 2026October holds the most room. 24 of 30 reservation dates are still open there.
Holiday windows — day use
Units open per date · of 2 day-use units| Window | Date | Units open | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | SAT Sep 5 | 0 | None open |
| SUN Sep 6 | 0 | None open | |
| MON Sep 7 | 0 | None open |
Labor Day: no online availability on any tracked date.
Availability by day-use unit
Most open reservation dates · tracked window| Unit | Open reservation dates |
|---|---|
| 001ARA | 20 |
| 001ARB | 20 |
The 2 day-use units with the most open reservation dates in the current snapshot. Pair a bookable date with a free alert to cover everything else.
Next windows
As of Sep 18, 2026 snapshotNext open dateFri · Sep 18
Next open weekendFri · Sep 18
The next bookable date is Sep 18; the first open weekend starts Sep 18. Campsite Sniper can watch later dates for you.
Reservation dates
40 available reservation dates across 2 day-use units at DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B, from the same hourly snapshot as everything above.
All 2 day-use units with current availability
| Unit | Open reservation dates | Consecutive dates | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 001ARA | 20 | 5 dates | Sep 18, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 27, Sep 28, Sep 29, Sep 30, Oct 1, Oct 5, Oct 6 +8 more |
| 001ARB | 20 | 5 dates | Sep 18, Sep 21, Sep 22, Sep 23, Sep 24, Sep 28, Sep 30, Oct 1, Oct 2, Oct 3, Oct 5, Oct 6 +8 more |
About DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B
Overview
Doc Long Picnic Sites are named for Dr. William Henry Long. He was one of three forest pathologists in the USA who conducted pioneering research of tree diseases. Two picnic areas are available for reservation at this site.
Doc Long, worked in New Mexico from 1910 through the 1930s. Doc lived in a cabin on the site where the "furthest set", rustic log pavilion is now. The original pavilion and picnic ground were constructed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, also known as the CCC. Their base camp was located a short distance down State Road 536 and is now owned by the Boy Scouts of America. Pavilions A and B were added later and are adjacent to the road next to the small playing field.
The Civilian Conservation Corps has a rich history and lasting presence throughout the Sandia Mountains. In their honor, we ask that you take extra care to "leave no trace" when you visit. Please note that there is no overnight camping at Doc Long.
Recreation
There is access to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails from Doc Long. Bill Spring Trail, Oso Corridor Trail, Faulty Trail and a short pathway leading to Sulphur and Cienega picnic sites are connected to Doc Long for easy access.
The site's playing field can accommodate outdoor activities that will make your picnic a memorable one for everyone. Help your kids explore the ecosystem, and its related plants and animals through our Junior Ranger program. For more information about the Junior Ranger program, call the Sandia Ranger Station at (505) 281-3304.
The surrounding forest and the majestic mountains provide a beautiful location for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor recreation. Bring your camera.
Facilities
Please note: You must make two separate bookings for site A and B if you want to reserve both. Please verify the site you have reserved when checking out.
Please note: there are no grills available at Doc Long Sites A and B, please bring your own grill if needed.
Water and electricity, firewood/charcoal are not available at the site. Accessible vault toilets and bear proof trash receptacles are provided. For details, please read the "Know Before You Go" below. Doc Long offers two large, accessible group picnic shelters, which are replicas of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design. Each can accommodate up to 30 people and are equipped with multiple picnic tables. The site features a playfield area adjacent to the group shelters, interpretive displays, and a visitor information "hut" staffed by friendly volunteers. The "hut" is typically open on weekends, May 15 through October 14, to welcome visitors and provide information and assistance. PARKING: Each reservation comes with ten (10) day use parking passes which should be picked up before hand at the Sandia Ranger Station, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., (505) 281-3304. You may also print out 10 copies of you reservation confirmation if you are unable to stop in the office. *Additional dispersed picnic areas, which do not require a reservation, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each area can accommodate a small family group and have no covering. Tables and grills are provided. Help to prevent bug kill. Obtain firewood near your destination and burn it on-site: Don't Move Fire Wood . Learn more about the recreation opportunities in the Cibola National Forest & Grasslands , including the Sandia Mountain Trails and the history of the Civilian Conservation Corp .
Natural Features
The picnic area is at an altitude of 7,360 feet. It is nestled in a dense forest of towering ponderosa pines and is surrounded by mountainous terrain.
The Sandia's are home to mule deer, black bear and many other species of wildlife and birds, including the red-tailed hawk, predator of the playful Abert's squirrel, who is a year-round resident of the Doc Long site.
Nearby Attractions
There are privately owned businesses and restaurants all along NM State Road 14 and a museum on your way up the 536 Scenic Byway which extends 13.6 miles from the base of the Sandia's to the Sandia Crest.
At the Sandia Crest there is parking, a gift store, snack bar and a lookout deck. There you can see panoramic views from any direction you look. Sunsets are spectacular. It was voted Best Place to "Pop the Question" in 2010. It is a popular path for motorcyclists and auto touring, with its winding road to the peak.
The Peak area provides two launch pads for hang gliding, which is a popular sport during summer months.
2 monitored unitsDay useMax party 30
Getting there
From Albuquerque drive east on I-40 to Exit 175, proceed north toward Cedar Crest, on State Highway 14 approximately 6 miles to Scenic Byway 536. Go just over a mile west on Scenic Byway 536 to the picnic site and look for signage on your left. Group sites are in the two covered areas adjacent to the road.
Sandia Ranger Station, Tijeras, NM 87059505-281-3304
BirdingClimbingHikingWildlife Viewing
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
03 · Field Photos · roll CS-234496 · facility + sites
Photo gallery
Roll CS-234496 · DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B · Tijeras NM10 frames · facility + sites
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B?
Reservations for DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B are made through Recreation.gov. The current snapshot shows substantial availability: 40 of 56 tracked reservation dates are open (71.4%), though availability can change. Campsite Sniper has also detected 1 site opening here in the last 90 days, so further dates may appear. Pick the unit on the map to see its reservation calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
Does Campsite Sniper book this facility for me?
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
How current is this availability data?
Campsite Sniper re-checks public Recreation.gov availability for this facility every hour and republishes whenever anything changes. This facility's data last changed at Sep 18, 2026 16:19 UTC; an older timestamp means nothing has changed since that time, not that checking stopped. Always confirm final availability on Recreation.gov when you book.
How often do new openings appear at DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B?
Campsite Sniper detected 1 site-date opening here over the last 90 days, none in the last 7. A free alert watches around the clock and pings you the moment one appears.
Which month has the most availability at DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B?
October 2026, with 24 open reservation dates in the current snapshot of 30.
When is the next open date at DOC LONG PICNIC SITES - A and B?
As of the Sep 18, 2026 snapshot: the next open date is Fri, Sep 18 and the next open weekend starts Fri, Sep 18. Detected openings can add earlier dates at any time; a free Campsite Sniper alert catches those the moment they appear.
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