Big Block is East of Albuquerque about 15 miles away. From Interstate-40 use exit 175, Tijeras exit. You will quickly come to a traffic light. (0798 x 3873) On hwy 337 head south for about 5.5 miles. In between mile marker 25 and 24 you will find parking (0323 x 3620) on the south side of the road next to a large road cut. Big Block is only about 100 yards hike from here. Hike around the road cut and in the valley you will see a large block and a large wall. Follow the trail down; you will cross a small stream and head straight to the main wall (0317 x 3619).
Photo of parking

There are about 4 group camping sites( $35.00/night camping) available and you must reserve and prepay them with the USFS, but, talk to the USFS Ranger Station just 0.5 mile south of the only Tijeras traffic light on NM Hwy 337 and they can show you some forest roads where there is some throw down camping with no fees attached. These throw down areas are within 5 miles of Big Block. However, there are no facilities. Anyone who sets up a throw down site can only camp there for 12 days and then must move out of the Cibola National Forest district. The USFS people know of some close KOA commercial type campsite areas available nearby as well, they can direct you there.

edited by Drbeagle: 7/10/2004