Manzano Mountains

[3] The Manzano Mountains are the southern part of a larger geologic unit known as the Sandia–Manzano Mountains, which are an east-tilted fault-block range forming part of the eastern edge of the Albuquerque Basin in the Rio Grande rift.

On September 14, 1977, a USAF Boeing EC-135 crashed into the Manzano Mountains just after takeoff from the Albuquerque International Sunport, killing all 20 people on board.

[5] Compared to the Sandias, the Manzanos are much less visited, lacking the paved road and tramway access of their northern neighbors.

However, many recreational sites exist, with opportunities for picnicking, camping, mountain biking, and hiking.

The most well-known is Fourth of July Canyon which is noted for its maple trees, especially when they change color in the Fall.

Looking South, from near Capilla Peak, along the Manzano Mountains
Location of the Manzano Mountains within New Mexico
Location of the Manzano Mountains within New Mexico
Fall maple, Fourth of July Canyon
Capilla Peak Lookout at an elevation of 9,368 ft
The Manzanos viewed from Mesa del Sol near Albuquerque, New Mexico