Distance: 54 Miles
Contact: Maggie Johnson
Hours of Operation:
Summer 7:30 A.M. - 6:30 PM
Winter 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 PM
Fees:
This natural wonder tops the must-see list for most tourists in Northeast New
Mexico. Drive 58 miles west Clayton on Hwy 64 and 87 to the town of Capulin, then
three miles north on Hwy 325 to Capulin Volcano National Monument.
Stop at the Welcome Center for information, a bookstore and to see the interpretative
exhibits and a short film the history of the volcano and the surrounding area.
The park has picnic areas at the western base of the volcano with water and modern
restrooms. A handicap accessible, 400-foot trail runs behind the center, with
describing plants and volcanic activity.
The star of this show is the volcano, so drive a winding, two-mile road to the
top, climbing 1,000 feet from the valley floor. From 8,182 feet, on a clear day,
visitors can see the five states of New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and
Texas. Capulin Volcano was active 10,000 years ago and is one of many dormant
volcanoes in Northeast New Mexico, a fact that becomes clear against the breathtaking
backdrop of other dormant volcanoes in the surrounding Raton-Clayton volcanic
field, mountain ranges, mesas and valleys.
On the south and east sides of the crater loom the vast portion of land through
which the Cimarron Cutoff of the Santa Fe Trail passed.
Two nature trails are on the top of Capulin. The Crater Rim Trail is a one- mile-long,
self-guiding path that roams rim of the crater. The second trail journeys 0.2
miles to the vent at the bottom of the crater for an unusual opportunity to see
the inside of a volcano.
The variety and abundance of vegetation on the mountain lend a special beauty.
The volcano is part and part forest of pinon pine, ponderosa pine and juniper.
During late spring and early summer, wildflowers present a colorful mosaic among
the cinders and other vegetation. Also in spring, birdwatchers may find songbirds,
such as bluebirds, warblers, black-headed grosbeaks, chipping sparrows and gold
finches can be spotted along the drive to the top and throughout the park. Become
acquainted with some of the plant and animal life by walking Capulin's trails.
It's not often possible to walk so brazenly in a volcano! |
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