Capulin Peak facts for kids
Capulin Peak is a cool mountain in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. It stands tall at about 9,199 feet (2,804 meters) above sea level. Imagine looking out from such a high point!
This peak has a rich history, especially with the people who lived there long ago. Its original name, given by the Puebloan peoples who speak the Tewa language, was Abepin. Later, when Spanish explorers arrived, they called it Cerro Capulin. The word Capulin means Choke Cherry, which is a type of berry plant.
Exploring Capulin Peak's History
Capulin Peak is more than just a mountain; it's also connected to an important historical path.
The Old Spanish Trail Connection
A famous old path called the Old Spanish Trail used to run right by the base of Capulin Peak. Specifically, it was the Armijo Route of this trail. This route went westward, passing the southern side of the mountain.
The Old Spanish Trail was a very long and challenging path. It was used for trading between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Los Angeles, California, in the 1800s. People would travel on horseback or with mules, carrying goods like blankets and furs.
Today, you can still see where this historic trail once was. A modern road, New Mexico State Road 96, now follows or runs very close to the original Armijo Route near Capulin Peak. This helps us remember the history of travel and trade in the American Southwest.
