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 ¥14,850 per night from Mar 10 to Mar 11
¥14,850
¥16,270 total
Mar 10 - Mar 11
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! (75 reviews)
It was very 1950s! It was very, very clean. The staff was helpful. The location was good. We enjoyed being right next to the Smokey Bear restaurant. Thank you.

Reviewed on Mar 4, 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! (1,007 reviews)
Overall Fantastic experience. All the front desk staffs were excellent. Smooth checkin, immediate help with extra bed, helped with milk for my baby from the kitchen at night when they ran out of milk at their sundry shop, I cancelled the last night stay and the manager helped to settle that with ...

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites Ruidoso
Elevate Hotel at Sierra Blanca

Elevate Hotel at Sierra Blanca

3.5 out of 5
25980 US Highway 70 Ruidoso NM
The price is ¥14,042 per night from Mar 10 to Mar 11
¥14,042
¥18,260 total
Mar 10 - Mar 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ruidoso. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2026

Elevate Hotel at Sierra Blanca
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! (424 reviews)
I took my service dog and he adapted well. We enjoyed the pool. The rooms were comfortable and clean. The TV didn't connect very well. on the nights we stayed. suggested to have TV in other room not just master. overall the stay was comfortable and felt like home. Thank you!

Reviewed on Mar 2, 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! (394 reviews)
Great place I will stay here in the future

Reviewed on Mar 8, 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! (187 reviews)
Bedspread had stains. We asked to replace it and were told to

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026

High Sierra Condominium
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

Cities near Capitan