The Capulin volcano is 60,000 year old and stands 1000 ft high above a valley that it covered with lava. It’s amazing to stand on the top of something that created so much destruction. Since there isn’t much around it, the view from the top is breathtaking. You can see more volcanoes in the distance and imagine what this area would have looked like, covered in lava.
Small but mighty
Capulin Volcano is a cinder cone volcano. With a mile wide crater, it’s still considered a small volcano. but it’s the only volcano in the area that still has a visible crater! Capulin erupted only once about sixty thousand years ago but the eruption lasted over several decades. In the beginning, this volcano had a high volatile content which creates a lot of explosions as the volcano is erupting. The explosions cause debris to go flying into the air. When they eventually fall back down to earth, they accumulate at the mouth of the volcano. As the debris builds up, it creates a steep coned volcano. Even though this volcano erupted for decades, it was only highly volatile in the beginning.
Why did it erupt for so long?
Since this volcano is part of the Cayton/Raton volcanic field. The lava that flowed out of these volcanoes is called Basalt Lava. It’s extremely thin and flows kind of like a thick syrup. Which in the end, is why lava flowed out of this volcano for such a long time after the initial explosive eruptions. On August 9, 1916, it was designated as Capulin Volcano National Monument so that everyone could enjoy it.
Hours
| Monday – Sunday | 8:00 am- 4:30 pm |
Admission
$15 per passenger vehicle. The pass is good for 1 week.
Bring good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and water. Pets are not allowed here, please leave them at home and not in the car. There is a gift shop that sells water and snacks but there is no food service onsite. However you can always bring one and use the picnic tables. Restrooms are located in the visitors center or by the parking area.
Directions
Capulin Volcano National Monument
44 Volcano Rd
Capulin, NM 88414
Take I25 to Raton and take Exit 451. Take US-64 E/US-87 S towards Clayton/Raton. Turn left onto NM-325N. Destination is on your right.
Accommodations
The closest accommodations are in Raton, New Mexico. My link will search through all the online sites to find you the best price available. By purchasing your trip through my link, this site will earn a small commission on your purchase. Rest assured that it will not cost you anything extra! In Fact, the only difference is that this site will earn a commission instead of another booking site. Thank your sponsorship!
Check Out My Other Travel Secrets
28Jan 2020
Taos Pueblo the oldest community in the USA
Taos Pueblo is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the USA. Home of the Red Willow people in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountain...
06Jan 2020
Beautifully reconstructed ruins at Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Walk inside beautifully reconstructed cliff dwellings, just an hour and a half from Denver, at Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
24Dec 2019
Things to do in Golden Colorado
Plan your day trip here with my list of cool things to do in Golden Colorado. Learn about Buffalo Bill, beer, trains, and more!
20Dec 2019
16Dec 2019
Monument Valley – An iconic image of the Wild West
Monument Valley features iconic red buttes that tower up to twelve-thousand feet high, You may recognize it from movies such as Forest Gump.
12Dec 2019
National WWII Museum
With over six acres of artifacts, recreations and testimonials, The National WWII Museum is one of the top ten best museums in the US....
06Dec 2019
Hovenweep National Monument
Come see the beautiful cliff dwellings at Hovenweep National Monument. Unlike Mesa Verde, these are perched on canyon rims and carefully balanced on uneven...
02Dec 2019
Larger than life Denver Public Art
With 1% of the capital construction funds invested in art. Denver Public Art is among the finest in the USA. Over 60 sculptures and...
About the Author
Leave a Reply