This is one of those special places in the Cibola National Forest, Sandia Ranger District.  Located along the road to Sandia Crest (NM-536) above the base of the ski area at about the 7.5 mile mark, Balsam Glade Picnic Area provides access via a short, easy trail to this overlook (8650 feet elevation).  The path is quite level , packed dirt with pea gravel in some places.  This spot overlooks Madera Canyon, and provides views of  South Mountain, in the Ortiz Mountain Chain to the east (Left).  Note the volcanic nature of the peaks, in contrast to the gentle uplift of the east side of the Sandia Mountains.  The old village of La Madera and the Paa-ko Subdivision and golf course are in the near left foreground.  The Sandia Peak Ski Area is just out of sight to the west (Right).  The 9836 foot summit just south of the upper Sandia Peak Tram terminal is visible in the distance to the southwest.

Northern Goshawks have been known to nest in the lush forest in the Canyon below.