Capulin Volcano National Monument is located in northeastern New Mexico near the town of Raton. Designated a national monument in 1916, it contains a portion of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, in particular a prime example of an extinct cinder cone volcano known as Capulin. Cinder cone volcanoes are made almost entirely of loose fragments of rock, including lava, signaling the fact that this is a young volcano that was formed during the last stage of volcanism that had started more than 8 million years ago. Scientists believe Capulin Volcano is only about 62,000 years old.
The volcano, the main attraction of this national monument, rises about 1,300 feet above the plains to about 8,200 feet above sea level. Geologists explain that the symmetry of Capulin Mountain Volcano was preserved because lava did not flow from the main crater but from secondary vents located at the western base of the cone. It is unlikely that it will even erupt again, they say, so it's more than safe to visit and the area attracts a few hundred thousand visitors each year who are eager to explore the volcano and learn about the history of the area.
There are two ways to explore the cinder cone at Capulin Volcano National Monument. Visitors may follow the winding road around the volcano's rim in their automobiles and stop to admire views from the top. However, each year, many guests choose to hike the volcano itself. Two self-guided trails begin at the summit of the volcano. The shorter of the two, a .2-mile hike on the Crater Vent Trail, heads straight to the bottom of the crater to the vent and allows a look at the inside of a volcanic mountain. The longer trail, which measures 1 mile in distance, winds around the rim of Capulin Mountain but does not descend to the volcano floor. It does, however, involve steep climbs. Nonetheless, this moderately difficult Crater Rim Trail provides excellent views of the area and plenty of photo opportunities.
The most strenuous trail at Capulin Volcano National Monument is the Boca Trail, an unimproved 2-mile loop that takes visitors to the Boca area, the vent from which the flows originated. This strenuous trail provides a look at many geologic features unique to the area. In addition, the handicapped-accessible Nature Trail takes visitors along a paved eight-sided path through some of the natural areas around the volcano, allowing a look at local flora.
Rangers are available along most of the trails to answer questions but the park does not offer guided hikes. The park rangers, however, do offer talks twice daily which can be helpful in interpreting what is viewed along the trails.
An onsite Visitor Center offers a 10-minute video as well as several displays about the geology, natural history, and culture of this portion of New Mexico.
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