Capilla Peak

Mountainair Ranger District - Capilla Temporary Road and Area Closure Order 03-03-04-26-16

The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has issued a road and area closure order (Order 03-03-04-26-16) for National Forest Road (NFR) 245, starting at the forest boundary to Capilla Peak Lookout to include New Canyon and Capilla Peak Campground Areas as depicted on the attached map.

The purpose of this order is to protect public safety during the demolition and removal of decommissioned University of New Mexico observatory buildings located on top of Capilla Peak. National Forest Road (NFR) 245 is a narrow road with few pullouts, requiring closure to provide safe ingress and egress of heavy equipment removing material from the site.

This order shall be in effect from July 13, 2026, at 6:00 AM through October 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM, unless rescinded.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST

MOUNTAINAIR RANGER DISTRICT

CAPILLA TEMPORARY ROAD and AREA CLOSURE

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited within all National Forest System lands as described in this Order (the “Road Closure”) and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, within the Mountainair Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, Torrance County, New Mexico.

Going into or being upon the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e)
Being on the road 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e)

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e) the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).

2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

3. Landowners accessing their private property.

DESCRIBED ROAD/AREA

National Forest Road 245 starting at the forest boundary gate up to Capilla Peak Lookout to include New Canyon and Capilla Peak Campground Area.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety during the demolition and removal of decommissioned building sites located on top of Capilla Peak. National Forest Road (NFR) 245 is a narrow road with few pullouts, requiring closure to provide safe ingress and egress of heavy equipment removing material from the site.

IMPLEMENTATION

This Order shall be in effect from July 13, 2026, at 6:00 AM through October 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM, unless rescinded.
A map identifying the Described Area, Roads, & Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/alerts.
Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
Contact the Mountainair Ranger District in Mountainair, NM, (505) 847-2990 for more information about this Order.
This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area, Road or Trail.

Overview

With great views of Manzano Mountains, Rio Grande and Estancia Valleys, and unique camping structures, this 8-unit site at 9200 ft is a popular destination. Capilla Peak has access to Manzano Mountain Wilderness and Hawkwatch's raptor counting station. Note that none of the campsites have designated parking spurs and are NOT suitable for large trailers or RVs. This campground is a mix of first-come, first-served and reservation sites. An additional day use picnic pavilion is available for reservation and located at this site.

Mobile payment may be available at this location, but you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Facilities

A separate day use picnic pavilion is also located on site. This site is available for reservation on Recreation.gov.

Natural Features

Great views of the Manzano Mountain Wilderness and Wilderness access. Note that all campsites are very exposed, and inclement weather is common at this high elevation.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (505) 847-2990.

Camp site features

Across 9 camp sites:

Pets allowed: 8 of 9 sites

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

6 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

2 stars

BRANDEN L

Loop:Capilla Peak

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Views were beautiful! Campsite was clean and well maintained. The fish and game employee who gave us directions was awesome. Would recommend!

Emanuel S

Loop:Capilla Peak

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Beautiful location with great views and lots of wildlife. Nice and well kept grounds with clean facilities. Had to leave one day early because new 'neighbors' came in and began a party with music blaring so loud at 10 am. So the issue is no attendant on site to protect the peace of the stay you plan and pay for. Will know not to come here on a holiday like the 4th of July. The sites are way too close together. This place needs a clearly marked quiet policy!

Christopher C

Loop:Capilla Peak

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Great views and wildlife everywhere. Most campsites require putting the tent on a concrete slab. Strongly recommend using a freestanding tent.

Courtney C

Loop:Capilla Peak

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Beautiful area with great views and lots of deer. Stargazing is amazing. The road up there is not for the faint of heart. No guardrails. One lane. Minimal pull-offs.

Justin H

Loop:Capilla Peak

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

The site is clean and beautiful. However, the unpaved road is dangerous. It is steep and narrow, and AWD is recommended. Since two vehicles cannot fit side by side at most points, and since one side is usually a sheer drop, make sure to enter the site later after others have already left and to leave early before day trippers and evening campers arrive. The road also cannot accommodate trailers due to switchbacks, and you may not find that out until you get stuck on the road with that trailer. I saw a cabover camper, a van, and two other tent campers during my stay. Otherwise, if you can make the drive, I highly recommend it and will return myself!

Won K

Loop:Capilla Peak

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Requires a some effort to get up there however once you are there it is truly a very nice view from the campsite. Highly recommended. Note that there is no potable water thus make sure to bring enough water for you.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve Watch