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
Be Green and Stand Out this Halloween
October 3, 2008 - 8:43pm
It’s the time of year when ghouls, goblins, ghosts and good witches show up in public. And as people of all ages embrace their inner child and alter egos, it becomes increasingly difficult to stand out in the crowd. Instead of fighting the masses at your local costume store, save a little dough and create a custom costume that reuses fabrics and items from around your house. Our teammate Leyla inspired us with her homemade strawberry costume. Made from pillowcases, buttons and colored stockings, it’s a shining example of how to be unique and green—whether your kids are trick or treating or you’re heading to a Halloween ball. Take a closer look at Leyla’s technique, and get inspired to think outside of the storefront and see the costume potential all around you. Leyla’s costume consists of two, red heavyweight pillow shams that she folded—like the first step of a paper airplane nose—into tapered berry-like edges. She used safety pins to secure these edges (so you don’t have to be a wiz on the sewing machine for this). She secured the tops of the pillows together in the same way, leaving an opening in the middle for her head. For a final touch on the berry look, she sewed white seed beads to the cases. You can use green felt and pipe cleaners with a hot glue gun to make a strawberry leaf crown. Leyla suggests wearing a green beret as an alternative, if you can find one. With all of the main components in place, the wearer can use their judgment about green or red apparel and stockings. You can find other great costume ideas here: http://www.robinsfyi.com/holidays/halloween/costumes.htm. Learn how you can transform into a bunch of grapes using purple or green leotards and balloons; a bag of jellybeans costume using colored balloons and a clear garbage bag; and a bat costume using black umbrella and tights. Have a Green Halloween!
October 3, 2008 - 8:43pm
It’s the time of year when ghouls, goblins, ghosts and good witches show up in public. And as people of all ages embrace their inner child and alter egos, it becomes increasingly difficult to stand out in the crowd. Instead of fighting the masses at your local costume store, save a little dough and create a custom costume that reuses fabrics and items from around your house. Our teammate Leyla inspired us with her homemade strawberry costume. Made from pillowcases, buttons and colored stockings, it’s a shining example of how to be unique and green—whether your kids are trick or treating or you’re heading to a Halloween ball. Take a closer look at Leyla’s technique, and get inspired to think outside of the storefront and see the costume potential all around you. Leyla’s costume consists of two, red heavyweight pillow shams that she folded—like the first step of a paper airplane nose—into tapered berry-like edges. She used safety pins to secure these edges (so you don’t have to be a wiz on the sewing machine for this). She secured the tops of the pillows together in the same way, leaving an opening in the middle for her head. For a final touch on the berry look, she sewed white seed beads to the cases. You can use green felt and pipe cleaners with a hot glue gun to make a strawberry leaf crown. Leyla suggests wearing a green beret as an alternative, if you can find one. With all of the main components in place, the wearer can use their judgment about green or red apparel and stockings. You can find other great costume ideas here: http://www.robinsfyi.com/holidays/halloween/costumes.htm. Learn how you can transform into a bunch of grapes using purple or green leotards and balloons; a bag of jellybeans costume using colored balloons and a clear garbage bag; and a bat costume using black umbrella and tights. Have a Green Halloween!
Steve Fossett's Plane Found in Bear Country
October 3, 2008 - 3:57pm
Steve Fossett's plane and a tiny amount of human remains have been found in California near Yosemite National Park, officials confirmed today. The millionaire U.S. adventurer has been missing since early September 2007.
October 3, 2008 - 3:57pm
Steve Fossett's plane and a tiny amount of human remains have been found in California near Yosemite National Park, officials confirmed today. The millionaire U.S. adventurer has been missing since early September 2007.
Hear the Bugle Call
October 3, 2008 - 3:52pm
Hear the sound of the elk echoing through the Rockies. View the golden aspens glistening in the sunlight. Take a deep breath in of the cool mountain air and watch the majestic bull elk chase his harem through Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk Fest celebrates fall in the Rockies and all things Wapiti — the American elk that calls Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park “home.”
October 3, 2008 - 3:52pm
Hear the sound of the elk echoing through the Rockies. View the golden aspens glistening in the sunlight. Take a deep breath in of the cool mountain air and watch the majestic bull elk chase his harem through Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk Fest celebrates fall in the Rockies and all things Wapiti — the American elk that calls Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park “home.”
Victim ID'd in Skiing Death at Rocky Mountain National Park
October 3, 2008 - 3:51pm
The man who was killed this week trying to ski on Taylor Glacier in Rocky Mountain National Park was identified today as Matthew Chesaux of Boulder. Chesaux, 40, died of blunt force injuries, according to the Larimer County coroner. The death also was ruled an accident.
October 3, 2008 - 3:51pm
The man who was killed this week trying to ski on Taylor Glacier in Rocky Mountain National Park was identified today as Matthew Chesaux of Boulder. Chesaux, 40, died of blunt force injuries, according to the Larimer County coroner. The death also was ruled an accident.
Burns Planned for Zion National Park
October 3, 2008 - 3:37pm
A prescribed fire is planned in Zion National Park during the week of Oct. 6. The Three Finger Mesa prescribed fire is 2,100 acres, and the exact date of ignition will depend on weather conditions and the availability to firefighter resources.
October 3, 2008 - 3:37pm
A prescribed fire is planned in Zion National Park during the week of Oct. 6. The Three Finger Mesa prescribed fire is 2,100 acres, and the exact date of ignition will depend on weather conditions and the availability to firefighter resources.
