Our last field trip while in Ruidoso was to the Valley of Fires Recreation Area (BLM Land) and Capitan. Valley of Fires NM is sometimes confused with a state park with the same name in Nevada I believe. There is a nice campground here that I stayed in on a trip several years ago. They have water and electric hookups as well as a tenting area. And there are restrooms and showers. It's interesting because you are traveling across flat land when this volcanic rift appears.
You can see the volcanic lava here.
There is a nice walking trail next to the campground but you need to stay on the path because the volcanic rock is very sharp.
Our next stop was the Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan.
Smokey was found clinging to a tree in the midst of a forest fire. He was rescued and turned over to a vet who took care of his burned paws and nursed him back to health. Of course, he didn't really look much his alter ego. He was flown to the Washington D.C. Zoo where he lived until his natural death. He had a female mate but they never had any cubs. There is a movie at the museum along with a lot of memorabilia and things relating to the campaign against forest fires.
There is a nice little park with the museum with different types of landscapes native to New Mexico.
When Smokey passed away, he was flown back to Capitan and secretly buried during the night due to fear of vandalism. A ceremony honoring him was later held here.
This is the Smokey Bear place but also honors fallen firefighters with a memorial.
Kids around the world know who Smokey Bear is.
It's an interesting visit especially for kids. We had lunch at Oso restaurant which was very busy with locals and visitors.
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