State of New Mexico

Capulin Volcano National Monument is the 87th park I have visited. Even though I have traveled to the state of New Mexico many times, my previous travels never brought me to this north-eastern part of the state.

This stop not only allowed me to cross this national monument off my list but also allowed me the opportunity to drive to the top of a volcano and hike its rim. This type of experience definitely gives a person bragging rights. Hiking the rim of an extinct volcano isn’t something that many people can claim to have done. I couldn’t have been more excited for the experience than I was at that moment in time.

Brief History of Capulin Volcano

The geologic history of Capulin Volcano is a story about the force of nature. A series of eruptions led scientists to believe that Capulin Volcano formed in a matter of weeks to several years. After a big eruption formed the base of the volcano, smaller lava flows and cinder eruptions covered the mound, making the slope steeper. Following the Capulin Volcano eruption, 56,000–62,000 years ago, it became extinct.

The Capulin Volcano is part of an 8,000-square-mile volcanic field known as the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. As visitors drive to and up the volcano, other volcanoes are seen on the landscape. The elevated vantage point from high above allows guests to see volcanoes such as Mud Hill, Horseshoe Crater, Carr Mountain, Emery Peak, Eagle Tail Mesa, Twin Mountain, Baby Capulin, and Purvine Mesa. The elevation also allows people to see not only New Mexico’s landscape but also that of Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas in the distance.

Erosion hasn’t been kind to Capulin Volcano. Scientists estimate that the volcano has lost 100 feet of elevation since its eruption 60,000 years ago.

More Information for Your Capulin Volcano National Monument Visit

If you found this article interesting, explore my other visits to state parks or national parks in New Mexico. Or check out other articles related to the volcano‘s in north America.

For more information about Capulin Volcano National Monument, its days and hours of operation, as well as fees, visit nps.gov. Also newmexico.org for other information that might improve your visit.

Location

Capulin Volcano Visitor Center
46 volcano Highway
Capulin, NM 88414