Capulin Spring, Sandia Mountains (nearest town is Sandia Park, NM 87047)

## Overview Capulin Spring is a public drinking spring nestled on the eastern slopes of the Sandia Mountains in central New Mexico, within the Cibola National Forest. Situated at an elevation of roughly 8,000 feet, the spring sits in a beautiful montane setting surrounded by ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest. The name "Capulin" comes from the Spanish word for chokecherry, a native shrub common throughout the Sandia range. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by hikers, locals, and visitors to the Sandia Mountains, and it remains a popular stop for those exploring the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway (NM-536). The Sandia Mountains themselves are a dramatic fault-block range that rises over 5,000 feet above the Rio Grande Valley and the city of Albuquerque to the west. The geology of the range — Precambrian granite overlain by Paleozoic limestone and sandstone — creates numerous springs where groundwater percolates through fractured rock and emerges along the mountainside. Capulin Spring is one of several such natural outlets in the area. The spring is conveniently located at the Capulin Spring Snow Play Area, a well-known recreation spot along the scenic byway that also serves as a popular sledding destination in winter. ## Directions 1. From Albuquerque, head east on **I-40** and take the exit for **NM-14 North** (the Turquoise Trail). 2. Drive north on **NM-14** for approximately **six miles** past the I-40 intersection. 3. After passing through the community of **Sandia Park**, turn left (west) onto **NM-536** (Sandia Crest Road / Sandia Crest Scenic Byway). 4. Continue on NM-536 for about **eight miles** up the mountain. 5. Turn right into the parking area marked **"Capulin Spring Snow Play Area."** 6. Just inside the parking area, turn left and park. 7. Look for a **gate at the eastern (lower) end** of the parking lot — this marks the beginning of a short **paved path** leading to the spring. 8. Follow the paved trail for approximately **0.15 miles** until you reach **two benches and a fenced-in area**. 9. The spring emerges directly below the fencing. **GPS Coordinates:** 35.2178, -106.4148 ## What to Expect The walk from the parking area to the spring is short — roughly a tenth of a mile — along a paved, accessible path, making it one of the easier-to-reach mountain springs in New Mexico. At the spring, you'll find a small fenced area with two benches where you can sit and enjoy the forested surroundings. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by visitors, though water quality can vary with seasonal conditions. The Capulin Spring Snow Play Area parking lot is a maintained Forest Service facility, so expect a gravel lot with clear signage. During winter months, the area is popular for sledding and snow play, and the road up to Sandia Crest can require chains or four-wheel drive in snowy conditions. In warmer months, the area is quieter and makes a pleasant stop along the scenic drive to Sandia Crest (10,678 feet), which offers sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. A **Cibola National Forest recreation pass or day-use fee** may be required for parking at this site — check current Forest Service regulations before your visit. The elevation means temperatures can be significantly cooler than in Albuquerque, so bring a layer even in summer.