Capitan Mountains Wilderness

Located in the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico.

Capitan Mountains Wilderness was placed in the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1980. It contains about 35,000 acres and lies entirely within the Smokey Bear Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest.

The Wilderness is approximately 12 miles long from east to west and ranges in width from 2 to 6 miles. This small mountain range is unique in that it is one of the few ranges that runs from the east to the west. The north side of the Wilderness is comprised of steep, rocky slopes with numerous canyons. The main ridge has a number of meadows. The south face of the range is less rocky and also has many large rock outcrops. This area contains Capitan Peak, Chimney Rock and Sunset Peak.

Elevation ranges from 6,500 feet on the east side to 10,083 feet at Capitan Peak. Summit Peak just outside the Wilderness is 10,179 feet. The lower stretches of this area are comprised of pinyon-juniper woodland. Midslopes are generally wooded with ponderosa pine and pinyon. The main ridgetop has mixed conifers including Douglas-fir, Engleman Spruce, cork-bark fir, and ponderosa pine. There are also several good-sized aspen groves.

The weather varies a great deal with elevation. The lower stretches can be very hot during the summer months and the higher shaded areas are quite comfortable. During the winter the upper areas may be inaccessible due to snow. Springtime brings moderate temperatures as well as dry conditions and high winds.

The Capitans are well known for their fall hunting activity. Deer populations are high in this range and hunters travel from all over the Southwest to hunt this area. Bear and turkey hunting are also popular.

Fishing in the Capitan Mountains Wilderness is confined to a couple of very small streams on the north side. Pine Lodge, Copeland Canyon, Kelly Canyon, and Seven Cabins Canyon contain small populations of brook trout usually less than 6" in length.

Day hiking is very popular from Pine Lodge (Trail 64) to Chimney Rock (2 miles). There is also opportunity for some unique nature study in the Capitan Mountains Wilderness.

For more information contact: Lincoln National Forest.