Capulin Volcano National Monument is a dormant cinder cone volcano in northeastern New Mexico with a scenic rim trail offering panoramic views.
The Capulin Volcano National Monument is located in northeastern New Mexico, near the town of Capulin. It was established as a national monument in 1916 to protect the unique geological features of the extinct Capulin Volcano.
The Capulin Volcano National Monument is an important ecological area due to its unique geology and the diverse plant and animal species that inhabit the area. The volcanic soils of the monument support a variety of plant species, including grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers. These plants provide habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species, making the monument a critical area for biodiversity conservation.
Additionally, the monument serves as an important research area for scientists studying volcanic geology and ecology. The unique geological features of the Capulin Volcano provide insights into the processes that shape the Earth's surface, while the plant and animal species that inhabit the area offer valuable information on how life adapts to extreme environments.
Overall, the Capulin Volcano National Monument is a unique and valuable area that offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse and fascinating landscape while also contributing to our understanding of the natural world.
The main attraction of the Capulin Volcano National Monument is the extinct cinder cone volcano itself. Visitors can drive to the top of the volcano and walk along the rim for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
This 1-mile trail circles the rim of the volcano, offering stunning views of the surrounding area and the volcanic features of the crater. It is a moderate hike with some steep sections, but the views are well worth the effort.
This short trail leads visitors through a piñon-juniper forest to the Boca, a depression in the volcano's flank that was formed by a past eruption. It offers a unique perspective on the volcano's geology.
The visitor center at Capulin Volcano National Monument features exhibits on the geology, flora, and fauna of the area, as well as information on the history of the volcano and its impact on the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also pick up trail maps and learn about ranger-led programs and events.
Capulin Volcano National Monument is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. The park offers regular star parties where visitors can view the night sky through telescopes and learn about the constellations and other celestial objects.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, turkey, and various bird species. Visitors may also spot smaller animals like rabbits and squirrels as they explore the park's trails and overlooks.
There are several picnic areas within the park where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by the natural beauty of the volcano and its surroundings. Some picnic areas offer grills and tables for convenience.
Description: Capulin Volcano National Monument, located in northeastern New Mexico, was designated a U.S. National Monument on August 9, 1916. It is an example of an extinct cinder cone volcano that is part of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. A paved road spirals around the volcano and visitors can drive up to a parking lot at the rim. Hiking trails circle the rim as well as lead down into the mouth of the volcano. Its highest elevation is 8,182 ft. The visitor center features exhibits about the volcano and the area's geology, natural and cultural history, and offers educational programs about volcanoes. There is also a video presentation about the volcano.
Image by jaygannett – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Capulin Volcano National Monument, located in northeastern New Mexico, was designated a U.S. National Monument on August 9, 1916. It is an example of an extinct cinder cone volcano that is part of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. A paved road spirals around the volcano and visitors can drive up to a parking lot at the rim. Hiking trails circle the rim as well as lead down into the mouth of the volcano. Its highest elevation is 8,182 ft. The visitor center features exhibits about the volcano and the area's geology, natural and cultural history, and offers educational programs about volcanoes. There is also a video presentation about the volcano.
Image by jaygannett – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Capulin Volcano National Monument, located in northeastern New Mexico, was designated a U.S. National Monument on August 9, 1916. It is an example of an extinct cinder cone volcano that is part of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. A paved road spirals around the volcano and visitors can drive up to a parking lot at the rim. Hiking trails circle the rim as well as lead down into the mouth of the volcano. Its highest elevation is 8,182 ft. The visitor center features exhibits about the volcano and the area's geology, natural and cultural history, and offers educational programs about volcanoes. There is also a video presentation about the volcano.
Image by jaygannett – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Capulin Volcano National Monument, located in northeastern New Mexico, was designated a U.S. National Monument on August 9, 1916. It is an example of an extinct cinder cone volcano that is part of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. A paved road spirals around the volcano and visitors can drive up to a parking lot at the rim. Hiking trails circle the rim as well as lead down into the mouth of the volcano. Its highest elevation is 8,182 ft. The visitor center features exhibits about the volcano and the area's geology, natural and cultural history, and offers educational programs about volcanoes. There is also a video presentation about the volcano.
Image by jaygannett – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Capulin Volcano National Monument, located in northeastern New Mexico, was designated a U.S. National Monument on August 9, 1916. It is an example of an extinct cinder cone volcano that is part of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. A paved road spirals around the volcano and visitors can drive up to a parking lot at the rim. Hiking trails circle the rim as well as lead down into the mouth of the volcano. Its highest elevation is 8,182 ft. The visitor center features exhibits about the volcano and the area's geology, natural and cultural history, and offers educational programs about volcanoes. There is also a video presentation about the volcano.
Image by jaygannett – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Capulin Volcano National Monument, located in northeastern New Mexico, was designated a U.S. National Monument on August 9, 1916. It is an example of an extinct cinder cone volcano that is part of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. A paved road spirals around the volcano and visitors can drive up to a parking lot at the rim. Hiking trails circle the rim as well as lead down into the mouth of the volcano. Its highest elevation is 8,182 ft. The visitor center features exhibits about the volcano and the area's geology, natural and cultural history, and offers educational programs about volcanoes. There is also a video presentation about the volcano.
Image by jaygannett – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Capulin Volcano National Monument, located in northeastern New Mexico, was designated a U.S. National Monument on August 9, 1916. It is an example of an extinct cinder cone volcano that is part of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. A paved road spirals around the volcano and visitors can drive up to a parking lot at the rim. Hiking trails circle the rim as well as lead down into the mouth of the volcano. Its highest elevation is 8,182 ft. The visitor center features exhibits about the volcano and the area's geology, natural and cultural history, and offers educational programs about volcanoes. There is also a video presentation about the volcano.
Image by jaygannett – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Capulin Volcano National Monument, located in northeastern New Mexico, was designated a U.S. National Monument on August 9, 1916. It is an example of an extinct cinder cone volcano that is part of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. A paved road spirals around the volcano and visitors can drive up to a parking lot at the rim. Hiking trails circle the rim as well as lead down into the mouth of the volcano. Its highest elevation is 8,182 ft. The visitor center features exhibits about the volcano and the area's geology, natural and cultural history, and offers educational programs about volcanoes. There is also a video presentation about the volcano.
Image by jaygannett – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Capulin Volcano National Monument, located in northeastern New Mexico, was designated a U.S. National Monument on August 9, 1916. It is an example of an extinct cinder cone volcano that is part of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. A paved road spirals around the volcano and visitors can drive up to a parking lot at the rim. Hiking trails circle the rim as well as lead down into the mouth of the volcano. Its highest elevation is 8,182 ft. The visitor center features exhibits about the volcano and the area's geology, natural and cultural history, and offers educational programs about volcanoes. There is also a video presentation about the volcano.
Image by jaygannett – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Looking south southeast from the walking path encircling Capulin Volcano National Monument on 29 August 2022
Image by Matthew.kowal – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia