Hike Capitan Mountains High Point Lincoln National Forest, NM

Oct 18, 2024 — There are numerous trailheads on the south side of the Capitan Mountains, but my research suggested that the trails have essentially disappeared. Rather than spend the day bushwhacking, I opted to drive the long east-to-west road that runs along the ridge of the Capitan Mountains High Point. The road turns rocky as soon as it enters National Forest land and becomes particularly rough here (33.62243, -105.47049). After more than an hour on the bumpy approach road, I parked at a sign marking Corral Canyon. My crossover SUV managed the journey with some effort,  and as long as you have decent tires and clearance you can continue all the way to the trailhead for the Summit Trail (#58).

Ironically, the road improved just past where I parked. By then, I was already on foot and had no desire to get back in the car. Frankly, I was tired of driving—at that point, even a literal highway wouldn’t have convinced me to continue by vehicle. In hindsight, I almost wish I had parked even sooner to extend the hike. It was a lot of driving for not much exercise.

The road descends for a bit before slowly ascending, with good views to the south for most of the hike. Along the way, I passed an old trail sign marking a junction with the Mitt and Bar Trail (#60), but I couldn’t actually locate the trail it referenced. This is truly a forgotten trail system. The road continues up to some radio towers, as well as the trailhead. I was relieved to find that the Summit Trail itself was intact, though overgrown. Unfortunately for me, rain from the night before meant I was repeatedly whacked by wet branches.

Despite its short length, I really enjoyed the Summit Trail. It descends briefly before entering the Capitan Mountains Wilderness, then climbs gradually to the summit along a slope covered in tall grasses, with scattered live trees amongst significant deadfall. There were sporadic views along the way, including toward Sierra Blanca Peak nearby. Unlike most trails in New Mexico, this one appears to have had maintenance within the past few millennia.

The Summit Trail passes just below the true high point of the range, so I made a brief detour to reach the nearly viewless summit. Fortunately, a large clearing to the north offers an excellent view of the flat eastern New Mexico landscape. I also recommend following the Summit Trail a bit farther east to a viewpoint overlooking that side of the range toward Capitan Peak. I found it interesting that the high point I stood on is not named, but Capitan Peak was. An overgrown trail reportedly leads to Capitan Peak, but the road to access it is said to be in terrible condition.