Capitan, NM

Travel Guide

Capitan Mountains
Capitan Mountains
El Capitan in the distance
The town of Capitan holds dear the memory of the original Smokey Bear. The cub was rescued after a devastating fire in 1950 in the Lincoln National Forest, leaving him orphaned. Fire rangers made him an American mascot for preventing forest fires. Smokey was buried here after a successful 25-year career as a spokesman.
Only you can prevent a forest fire. Definitely worth a stop when in the area. You get to see the full history of Smokey, from the time he was a baby rescued from the fire until his death, including grave site.
Smokey Bear Motel

Smokey Bear Motel

2 out of 5
316 Smokey Bear Blvd Capitan NM
The price is AED 422 per night from Jan 29 to Jan 30
AED 422
AED 463 total
29 Jan - 30 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Capitan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Smokey Bear Museum and Smokey Bear National Monument are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (72 reviews)
We had a great stay.

Reviewed on 20 January 2026

Smokey Bear Motel
MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso

MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso

3 out of 5
107 Sierra Blanca Dr Ruidoso NM
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, a golf course, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,014 reviews)
I love this tables

Reviewed on 27 January 2026

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MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso
Ruidoso Mountain Inn

Ruidoso Mountain Inn

2.5 out of 5
25971 US Highway 70 Ruidoso NM
The price is AED 257 per night from Jan 29 to Jan 30
AED 257
AED 309 total
29 Jan - 30 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
Very pleasant stay

Reviewed on 23 January 2026

Ruidoso Mountain Inn
See all 1,543 properties in Capitan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Crown Point Resort

Crown Point Resort

3 out of 5
220 Crown Drive Ruidoso NM
Stay at this condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Pillow's Funtrackers and Wingfield Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (406 reviews)
Awesome balcony view and comfortable and quiet place

Reviewed on 22 January 2026

Crown Point Resort
Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins

3 out of 5
215 Main Road Ruidoso NM
Stay at this cabin in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Grindstone Lake and Wingfield Park are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (386 reviews)
The girls front desk were very helpful and welcoming. The room very clean and cozy vibe.

Reviewed on 16 January 2026

Upper Canyon Inn & Cabins
High Sierra Condominium

High Sierra Condominium

3 out of 5
504 Excalibur Rd Ruidoso NM
Book a stay at this family-friendly condo in Ruidoso. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Casino Apache Travel Center ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (181 reviews)
The condo was great! Wild life and views were amazing. The heat didn’t seem to work in the master bedroom, but other than that it was a great stay.

Reviewed on 4 January 2026

High Sierra Condominium
See all properties in Capitan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Only you can prevent a forest fire. Definitely worth a stop when in the area. You get to see the full history of Smokey, from the time he was a baby rescued from the fire until his death, including grave site.

Smokey Bear Historical Park

Explore the great outdoors at Smokey Bear Historical Park, a lovely green space in Capitan. Amble within the natural setting or visit the casinos in this family-friendly area.

Smokey Bear Historical Park

Smokey Bear Museum and Gift Shop

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Smokey Bear Museum and Gift Shop during your travels in Capitan. Find time to visit the casinos in this family-friendly area.

Smokey Bear Museum and Gift Shop

Smokey Bear Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Smokey Bear Museum in Capitan. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums.

Smokey Bear Museum