Capulin Spring Picnic Site
This is a day-use picnic site only; no overnight camping is permitted. The pavilion is open for reservations May 15 through October 15. Visitors must bring their own water as none is available on site.
Flood Watch issued September 21 at 2:23PM MDT until September 23 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, northeast, southeast, and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in central New Mexico, Central Highlands, Eastern Lincoln County, Estancia Valley, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Middle Rio Grande Valley including the Albuquerque Metro Area, San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands, Sandia and Manzano Mountains including Edgewood, South Central Highlands, South Central Mountains and Upper Tularosa Valley. In east central New Mexico, De Baca County and Guadalupe County. In north central New Mexico, East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Espanola Valley, Glorieta Mesa Including Glorieta Pass, Jemez Mountains, Northwest Highlands, Santa Fe Metro Area and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In northeast New Mexico, Eastern San Miguel County, Far Northeast Highlands, Harding County and Northeast Highlands. In southeast New Mexico, Chaves County Plains and Southwest Chaves County. In west central New Mexico, Southwest Mountains, West Central Highlands and West Central Mountains. * WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A dangerous surge of monsoon moisture will arrive Tuesday and Wednesday with widespread heavy rain. Scattered occurrences of flash flooding are likely, and there will probably be some main stem river and tributary flooding, as the most likely rain amount by Wednesday afternoon exceeds 2 inches in many locations along and east of the central mountain chain, and 1 inch in many locations westward to the continental divide. Stronger storms will produce torrential rainfall at rates over 2 inches per hour, and storms will train repeatedly in succession over some locations, with locally heavier rain amounts reaching 4 to 6 inches over portions of central and eastern New Mexico. Heavy rain will likely continue Wednesday night over eastern areas, then showers and storms with locally heavy rainfall are forecast to return along and east of the continental divide again on Thursday. - Rapid runoff and flash flooding will be most likely in complex terrain, below recent burn scars, low-lying areas, urban areas, normally dry arroyos, and near rivers and streams. As the event unfolds, locations with saturated ground will also become prone to rapid runoff and flash flooding from additional rounds of storms. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…
Mountainair Ranger District Whiskey Fire Closure Order 03-03-04-26-21
The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has issued a new closure order (03-03-04-26-21) for Whiskey Fire to extend the previously described closure area of National Forest System (NFS) lands, including the roads, and trails within the described area and shown on the attached map on the…
About
Capulin Spring Picnic Site is a well-loved day-use recreation area in the Sandia Mountains of Cibola National Forest at 8,740 feet elevation. The site accommodates up to 50 people and features a group picnic shelter that is a modern replica of a mid-1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design. Amenities include six accessible picnic tables, food prep and serving tables, two large pedestal charcoal grills, accessible vault toilets, and bear-proof trash receptacles. The paved picnic pad, pathways, and parking area provide full ADA accessibility. The year-round spring at Capulin is a highlight, drawing birds of all types during the dry season as they seek water. The area is particularly popular with birders and photographers. Nearby trails include the Capulin Peak Trail, a 0.6-mile hike to the summit with 150 feet of elevation gain, passing ruins of an old mining shack and pit. The Sandia Crest overlook is a short drive up Scenic Byway 536. Visitors must bring their own water, firewood, and charcoal as none are provided on site. There is no overnight camping at Capulin Spring. Parking passes are included with reservations and must be displayed or obtained at the Sandia Ranger Station.
Directions
From Albuquerque, drive east on I-40 to Exit 175. Proceed north toward Cedar Crest on State Road 14 for about 6 miles to State Road 536. Drive 8 miles up State Road 536 and look for signs on your right. Capulin is located about 2 miles past the Sandia Peak Ski Area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $90 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (505) 281-3304 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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