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Ft Stanton-Snowy River Cave Natl Conservation Area, New Mexico
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Contact Us About this Site
FIRE RESTRICTIONS: This site is OPEN but under Stage II wildfire restrictions.
Description: The cave complex was closed to visitors on January 25, 2011. The closure was necessitated by the threat of White Nose Syndrome which has killed more than a million hybernating bats in the East and Southeast. The caves will remain closed to visitors for at least two years.
This 24,000-acre area protects an underground wonderland of delicate formations of the Fort Stanton cave. The Snowy River cave, which is still being explored, features a thick calcite deposit on its floor. Aboveground, visitors can explore 60 miles of trails on foot, horseback, or mountain bike. The Rio Bonito Petroglyph Trail, reached from the Upper Rio Bonito on NM 220, is an easy to moderate 2 mile loop that passes petroglyphs created by the Jornada Mogollon some hundreds of years ago.
Visitors can learn more about the colorful and bloody history of this area at historic Fort Stanton, which saw active duty through the turbulent years of 1855-1896.
Primitive campgrounds are at the trailhead on NM 220 and at the entrance to Fort Stanton Cave. The trailhead on NM 220 also offers hitching rails and a stock tank. Vault toilets can be found at both campgrounds. Dispersed camping is also permitted, with a 14-day stay limit.
Location: From Capitan, NM, drive on US 380 east 4.25 miles to NM 220. From Lincoln, NM, drive west 7.7 miles to NM 220. Drive south one mile to the equestrian trailhead. The historic Fort Stanton is approximately one mile further on NM 220. BLM is investigating the opportunity to provide visitor services information about the NCA at Lincoln, Capitan, Ruidoso, and at the historic Fort Stanton.
Address: Bureau of Land Management
Roswell Field Office
2909 West Second Street
Roswell, NM 88201 |
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Phone: 575-627-0224 |
Season: Year Round |
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Fee: |
Reservations: No
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Activities
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Biking
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Fishing |
Picnicking
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| Boating (Motorized) |
Hiking/Backpacking
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Scenic Driving
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| Boating (Non-motorized) |
Horseback Riding |
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| Boating (WW) |
Hunting |
Water Sports |
| Camping |
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Wildlife Viewing |
| Caving |
Off Highway Vehicles
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Winter Sports
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| Climbing
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Services and Facilities
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Visitor Center
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Group Campgnd
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RV Sites
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Exhibits |
Campgnd, Primitive
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Electric Hookup
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Interpretive Programs
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Drinking Water
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Dump Station
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Cultural-Historic Sites
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Restrooms
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Boat Ramp
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Campgnd, Developed
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Showers
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Marina |
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| Rental Cabins |
Notes: Click to open permit application in a new window
Click for Location Map (PDF) in a new window
Vault Toilet and sun shelters at Horse Trails Parking Lot on NM 220.
BLM pages about Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area
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