The Fort Stanton–Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area is a National Conservation Area in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Blanca, between Capitan and Lincoln in south central New Mexico.
Including approximately 25,080 acres (10,150 ha) and located at an elevation of about 6,300 feet (1,900 m) above sea level.
It was established in 2009 to protect, conserve, and enhance the unique and nationally important historic, cultural, scientific, archaeological, natural, and educational cave resources of the Fort Stanton–Snowy River cave system.
During these tumultuous times, the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 24th and 25th Infantry Buffalo Soldiers were sent to the New Mexico Territory to protect settlers in the area.
The historic fort and its buildings are managed by the New Mexico State Parks Division.