316 Smokey Bear Blvd.Capitan, New Mexico "The original birthplace of Smokey Bear"  1-800-SMOKEY- B 1-800-766-5392 1-575-354-2253 Information Home Motel Billy The Kid Scenic Byway Capitan History Area History Chamber of Commerce Ruidoso Chamber Of Commerce Valley Of Fires Recreation Area Valley of Fires recreation area is located immediately adjacent to the Malpais Lava Flow. Approximately 5,000 years ago, Little Black Peak erupted and flowed 44 miles into the Tularosa Basin, filling the basin with molten rock. The resulting lava flow is four to six miles wide, 160 feet thick and covers 125 square miles. The lava flow is considered to be one of the youngest lava flows in the continental United States. From a distance, Valley of Fires appears as barren rock but when you walk through the nature trail there are many varieties of flowers, cactus, trees and bushes typical of the Chihuahuan desert. Animals include bats, roadrunners, quail, cottontails, mule deer, barberry sheep, and lizards. It's also a virtual birdwatcher's paradise with great horned owls, burrowing owls, buzzards, hawks, gnat catchers, cactus wrens, sparrows and golden eagles. The Valley Of Fires is located only 24 miles from Capitan, another wonderful area to add to your day trips during your stay with us!     More On The Valley Of Fires More Area History...