Geologic Wonders

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Beneath the forests, mountains, and canyons of Lincoln National Forest lies a fascinating geologic history millions of years in the making. From ancient marine fossils to towering limestone cliffs, the landscape tells a story of shifting seas, volcanic eruptions, and the forces that shaped the Southwest. Whether you’re a geology enthusiast or simply curious about the world beneath your feet, the forest offers stunning natural formations and unique geologic features to explore.

Geologic Wonders by District

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Sacramento Ranger District (Near Cloudcroft & Alamogordo)

• Tularosa Basin Overlooks – Scenic viewpoints along Fresnal Canyon Road and Sunspot Scenic Byway provide sweeping views of the Tularosa Basin, a massive desert valley shaped by ancient lakes and erosion.
• The Rim Trail – Follows the edge of high-elevation cliffs, offering glimpses of deep canyons carved by millennia of wind and water.
• Bluff Springs & Water-Carved Limestone – A natural spring flowing over soft limestone formations, shaped by water erosion over thousands of years.

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Smokey Bear Ranger District (Near Ruidoso & Capitan)

• Capitan Mountains – One of the few east-west trending mountain ranges in North America, formed by intense volcanic activity and home to the famous birthplace of Smokey Bear.
• Monjeau Lookout & Sierra Blanca – This rugged volcanic landscape includes Sierra Blanca Peak, a 12,000-foot ancient stratovolcano that dominates the horizon.
• Bonito Lake Volcanic Fields – The area surrounding Bonito Lake showcases basalt lava flows and igneous rock formations, remnants of the region’s volcanic past.

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Guadalupe Ranger District (Near Carlsbad & Queen)

• Sitting Bull Falls & Limestone Caves – A breathtaking waterfall cascading over fossil-rich limestone, part of the vast Capitan Reef, a 250-million-year-old ancient coral reef system.
• Guadalupe Ridge & Permian Fossils – Hike along high desert ridges with visible fossilized marine life, a reminder that this area was once covered by a shallow sea.
• Last Chance Canyon & Karst Formations – A dramatic desert canyon carved into soft limestone, featuring caves, sinkholes, and unique rock formations.

Know Before You Explore

• Fossil Protection – Many areas contain ancient fossils—look, but don’t take! Collecting fossils and rocks is prohibited in most locations to preserve the natural history.
• Geologic Hazards – Some areas may have unstable cliffs, loose rocks, or deep caves. Always explore with caution.
• Interpretive Trails & Signs – Several sites feature educational signs explaining the geologic history of the area.

Discover the Ancient Landscapes of Lincoln National Forest

From volcanic peaks and lava fields to ancient reefs and hidden caves, the geologic wonders of Lincoln National Forest offer a glimpse into Earth’s past. Whether hiking, sightseeing, or studying fossils, the forest is a living museum of geologic history.

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