Capulin Volcano, a nearly perfectly-shaped cinder cone, stands more than 1200 feet above the surrounding High Plains of northeastern New Mexico. The volcano is long extinct and today the forested slopes provide habitat for mule deer, wild turkey, black bear and other wildlife. Abundant displays of wildflowers bloom on the mountain each summer. A 2 mile paved road spiraling to the volcano rim makes Capulin Volcano one of the most accessible volcanoes in the world. Trails leading around the rim and to the bottom of the crater allow a rare opportunity to easily explore a volcano. Mammoths, giant bison and short-faced bears were witness to the first tremblings of the earth and firework-like explosions of molten rock thousands of feet into the air. Approximately 60,000 years ago, the rain of cooling cinders and four lava flows formed Capulin Volcano, a nearly perfectly-shaped cinder cone, rising more than 1000 feet above the surrounding landscape. Although long extinct, Capulin Volcano is dramatic evidence of the volcanic processes that shaped northeastern New Mexico. Today the pine forested volcano provide habitat for mule deer, wild turkey and black bear.
A two mile road spiraling to the top of the volcano and paved trails into the crater and around its rim provide access to explore the volcano and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
History & Culture
Just yesterday, on the clock of geological time, the scene near Capulin would have been one of fire, ash, glowing lava and ear-shattering explosions, for Capulin is the cone of a volcano that was active between 58,000 to 62,000 years ago. This cinder cone represents the last stage of a great period of volcanism which began about nine million years ago. In the Raton-Clayton volcanic field, eruptions occurred in three main episodes, separated by long periods of inactivity. Capulin Volcano formed during the last period of activity. Its conical form rises more than 1,000 feet above the plains to 8,182 feet above sea level. The cone consists chiefly of loose cinders, ash and other rock debris. These materials were ejected by successive eruptions and fell back upon the vent, piling up to form the conical mound. The symmetry of Capulin Volcano was preserved because lava did not flow from the main crater but from secondary vents located at the western base of the cone. after the eruptions ceased, vegetation gained a foothold on the steep, unstable slopes and in time, the mountain became stabilized as the dense root growth and the forces of nature changed the volcanic matter into soil.
Evidence of earlier activity can be seen in nearly 100 nearby volcanic peaks and lava capped mesas. The largest of the volcanic peaks is the Sierra Grande, an extinct volcano rising some 2,200 feet above the surrounding plain, about 10 miles to the southeast. Capulin Volcano has been inactive for a long enough period that it is unlikely it will erupt again. An eruption near Capulin in our lifetimes is very unlikely, but the Raton-Clayton volcanic field is only dormant. The formation of a new cinder cone is probable sometime in the distant future.
Recreation
The visitor center contains exhibits about geology, natural history and human history of Capulin Volcano. A ten-minute video shown in the Visitor Center auditorium details the story of Capulin’s eruption and the surrounding Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. A short Nature Trail is adjacent to the Visitor Center. The Volcano Road, which leads to the rim, is approximately two miles long. Trailers, towed vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians are prohibited because the road is narrow and has no shoulders. The road is closed after park hours. Snow, ice accumulation, and/or severe thunderstorms can also close the Volcano Road. Current road conditions are available by calling monument headquarters at 505-278-2201.
The Crater Rim Trail is one mile and the Crater Vent Trail is 0.2 miles. The Lava Flow Trail at the base of the volcano is one mile. Strollers are prohibited on the Rim and Vent trails and pets are prohibited on all park trails.
During the summer, 15-minute ranger programs are offered several times each day. Children six to twelve years of age may participate in the Junior Ranger program, an activity book that takes most children two to three hours to complete. Younger children may participate in the Lady Bug Hunt, a non-collecting scavenger hunt.
Getting There
By Plane
Major airlines operate in Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Denver and Amarillo. Albuquerque and Denver are approximately 270 miles from the monument. Colorado Springs and Amarillo are about 190 miles.By Car
If traveling by car, the monument is located 33 miles east of Raton, NM, via US Highway 64/87 and 58 miles west of Clayton, NM, via the same highway. The park entrance is off New Mexico Highway 325, 3 miles north of the town of Capulin. Interstate 25 connects Raton with Denver, Colorado, from the north and Albuquerque and Santa Fe, NM, from the south.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Capulin Volcano National Monument
P. O. Box 40
Capulin, NM 88414
Phone: 505-278-2201
Fax: 505-278-2211
Operating Hours & Seasons
Capulin Volcano National Monument is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
- Winter Hours (Labor Day to Memorial Day): 8:00am - 4:00 p.m.
- Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day): 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
The Volcano Road is closed after park hours except on Friday and Saturday nights during July and early August when it remains open until sunset.
July is the busiest month at Capulin Volcano National Monument. The majority of visitors arrive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. which sometimes causes delays of 15 - 30 minutes to tour the volcano. Plan to visit other than in July if possible or early or late in the day.
Weather/Climate
Elevations in Capulin Volcano National Monument range from approximately 7,000 feet to 8,182 feet on the crater rim. Summers are mild (highs in the mid-80’s). Thunderstorms are common in July and August. Winters are cold and blizzards may result in temporary park closures. Light jackets may be needed during the summer and warm and layered clothing should be worn the rest of the year.
