Capulin Volcano National Monument
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Nearly 60,000 years ago the rain of cooling cinders formed Capulin Volcano National Monument's Capulin Volcano, a nearly perfectly-shaped cinder cone, rising more than 1,000 feet above the encompassing landscape. Mammoths, giant bison, and short-faced bears were there to witness the earthquakes and firework-like explosions which hurled molten rock thousands of feet into the air. Come and witness the park for yourself today.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Christopher MoosPhone Number: 505-278-2201
Entrance Fees: Vehicle Pass (valid for seven days): $5; Annual Pass (valid for one year): $10
Sights: Capulin Volcano; High Plains
Important Dates
By The Numbers
Acres: 792.84Highest Point: Capulin Volcano (8182 feet)
Annual Visitation: 49,823 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :36.782200 / -103.976030 (map it)
State: NM
Nearby Big City: Capulin, NM
Gateway Communities: Capulin, NM; Folsom, NM; Folsom, NM; Branson, CO
Nearby Airports: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ); City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS); Denver International Airport (DEN); Amarillo International Airport (AMA)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Capulin Volcano, 1262
National Park Service
Capulin Volcano, 1263
National Park Service
Capulin Volcano, 1264
National Park Service
View More Capulin Volcano Photos
In Detail
Activities & Programs Indoor Activities Visitor Center/ExhibitsThe visitor center contains exhibits about geology, natural history and human history of Capulin Volcano.A ten-minute video shown in the Visitor Center audit ... read more.
Animals Mammals Large mammals such as deer and bear will travel through the park, using areas for food and shelter. Because the park is small and contains no permanent water source, large animals must trave ... read more.
At A Glance Park Statistics AcreageGross Area Acres for FY 2004 - 793Gross Area Acres for FY 2003 - 793Gross Area Acres for FY 2002 - 793VisitationTotal Recreation Visits for FY 2004- 57,422Total Recreation Vis ... read more.
Frequently Asked Questions How do you pronounce Capulin? The Spanish pronunciation is Ka-poo-leen, but most people say Cap-u-lin. When did it last erupt? The volcanic rock is currently dated at between 56,000 and 62,000 ye ... read more.
Geology Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field The cinder cone we know as Capulin Volcano serves as the centerpiece for an amazing display of volcanic features in and around the national monument. It shares the lands ... read more.
History History & Culture MONUMENT HISTORYOn January 16, 1891, Capulin Mountain was "â¦withdrawn from settlement, entry or other disposition under any of the public land laws, until such time as Congres ... read more.
In A Nutshell Directions Car Interstate 25 is the major north/south route through the state. The monument is located 33 miles east of Interstate 25 at Raton, NM, via US Highway 64/87. The park entrance is on New ... read more.
Just For Kids For Kids Children 6-12 years old may participate in the Junior Ranger Program. The activity book may be downloaded from the Junior Ranger page of this website. Upon completion, the Junior Ranger rec ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging Lodging and camping are not available in the Monument. Capulin, NM, 3 miles from the park, has an RV and tent campground with some cabins for rent. Des Moines, 12 miles east, has one small ... read more.
Natural World Natural Features & Ecosystems Capulin Volcano National Monument preserves approximately 800 acres (324hectares) primarily the cinder cone volcano. More than 15 square miles (~39 km2) of associated l ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Your Safety The Volcano Road, which leads to the rim, is approximately two miles long. Snow, ice accumulation, and/or severe thunderstorms can also close the Volcano Road. Current road conditions ar ... read more.
Plants Plants Capulin Volcano National Monument lies within the transition from the high elevations of the Rocky Mountains to the sweeping grasslands of the Great Plains. The slopes of the volcano are prim ... read more.
Preservation Centennial Initiative 2016 On the August 25, 2006, the 90th anniversary of the National Park Service, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne launched the National Park Centennial Initiative to pr ... read more.
Things To Do Guided Tours During the summer, short ranger talks are offered twice each day, more often if staffing permits. Rangers are available on trails and in the visitor center to answer questions. No fees ... read more.
Walking & Hiking Hiking Capulin Volcano Trails The Crater Rim Trail is a paved, one mile loop. It is moderately difficult due to steep climbs and descents. Wayside exhibits with panoramic photographs provide visito ... read more.
Who's Who at the Park Cooperating Association The monument operates a bookstore in the visitor center to provide information about subjects related to the park. Books about volcanoes, geology, history, and animals are av ... read more.
Capulin Volcano In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
