Capitan Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Capitan Mountains |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Highest point | |
| Geography | |
 Capitan Mountains
Location in New Mexico
|
|
| Location | Lincoln County, New Mexico |
The Capitan Mountains are a cool mountain range located in Lincoln County, in the southwestern part of the New Mexico state. These mountains stretch about 20 miles (32 km) from east to west. They are also about 6 miles (10 km) wide.
These mountains were formed from a huge, long piece of granite that pushed up from deep inside the Earth. It's similar to how Carrizo Mountain, located to the west, was formed.
Contents
Discovering the Capitan Mountains
The Capitan Mountains are a special place in New Mexico. They are known for their unique shape and interesting history.
Where Are the Capitan Mountains?
You can find the Capitan Mountains in south-central New Mexico. The small town of Capitan is right on the southwestern side of the mountains. This town is famous for a very special reason!
Smokey Bear's Home
The town of Capitan is home to the Smokey Bear Historical Park. This park remembers the famous bear named Smokey. He was a real bear rescued from a big forest fire. This fire, called the Capitan Gap fire, happened right here in the Capitan Mountains! Smokey Bear became a symbol for preventing forest fires.
What's the Highest Point?
The tallest spot in the Capitan Mountains is an unnamed peak. It reaches an amazing height of 10,201 feet (3139 meters)! This peak is even taller than Capitan Peak itself, by about 118 feet (36 meters).
Exploring the Lincoln National Forest
The entire Capitan Mountain range is part of the Lincoln National Forest. This means the area is protected and managed for everyone to enjoy. The Capitan Mountains are separated from other mountain ranges nearby. To the south, you'll find the Sacramento Mountains. To the southwest is Sierra Blanca. A valley called Rio Bonito separates these mountains.
A Landmark for Explorers
Long ago, Spanish explorers used the Capitan Mountains as an important landmark. They traveled between Mexico and Santa Fe. These mountains were easy to spot because they are the only mountain range in New Mexico that runs from east to west. This made them a perfect guide for their journeys!
See also
In Spanish: Sierra del Capitán para niños
