PO Box 40, Capulin, NM 88414
Phone: 505-278-2201
Fax: 505-278-2211
Open All Year
Overview. Did you ever want take a walk on a volcano? At Capulin National Monument, you can. This 1,000-foot-high cinder cone, formed in the most recent stage of a seven-million-year period of volcanic activity, is believed to be approximately 59,000 years old. Named for the Spanish word for chokecherries, which thrive on its slopes, Capulin Volcano provides fertile soil for lush wildflowers and evergreens. It is a prime habitat for many species of songbirds. What to see and do. Stop by the visitor center at the foot of the volcano, where you'll find exhibits about the region's geology, wildlife, and human history. A ten-minute film illustrates how volcanoes are born, and includes vivid footage of actual eruptions. A short nature trail at the visitor center will acquaint you with the many plants that thrive in the rich volcanic soil. There are facilities for picnicking. Drive to the top of Capulin Volcano by following the two-mile Crater Road that winds its way to the Crater Parking Area. From there, a short quarter-mile hike leads down into the crater, where you can get a close look at the vent of the volcano. Panoramic vistas, encompassing vast tracts of volcanic landscape, await those who hike the one-mile-long Crater Rim Trail. The visitor center is open each day from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and 8 AM to 4 PM the remainder of the year. The National Monument is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. No pets are permitted. Some facilities are handicapped-accessible.
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