Capulin Volcano National Monument
Activities & Programs
Indoor Activities
Visitor Center/Exhibits
The visitor center contains exhibits about geology, natural history and human history of Capulin Volcano.
A ten-minute video shown in the Visitor Center auditorium details the story of Capulin's eruption and the surrounding Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field.
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 visitors information about the volcano field.
The Crater Vent Trail is 0.2 miles one-way. This trail is also paved and changes elevation 100 feet from top to bottom.
The Lava Flow Trail at the base of the volcano is a unimproved, one mile loop that crosses one of the volcano's lava flows.
The Nature Trail is adjacent to the Visitor Center. It is a figure eight sidewalk trail that is handicap accessible.
The Boca Trail is an unimproved, strenuous 2 mile loop through the Boca area. This is the vent area from which the volcano's lava flows originated. The trail provides close up views of numerous geologic features. A self-guiding trail brochure is available at the visitor center.
All trails except the Nature Trail are hiking only. No vehicles, including strollers, are allowed. A child carrier backpack is available for loan at the Visitor Center.
Pets are prohibited on all park trails.
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 are charged for ranger talks.Bicycling Information
Bicycling is not permitted on the Volcano Road during operating hours. Cyclists may ride the Volcano Road before opening in the morning or after closing in the evening.
Bicycling in the area around the Monument is not recommended as the highways are narrow with little to no shoulder and hazardous with fast traffic and open range cattle.
Auto Touring
Driving
The Volcano Road leading to the crater rim is approximately two miles. Trailers and towed vehicles are prohibited.
Because the road has no shoulders, bicycles and pedestrians are only permitted when the road is closed to vehicles after park hours.
Snow, ice, and/or severe thunderstorms can also close the Volcano Road.
Current road conditions are available by calling the monument at 505-278-2201 ext. 302.
Nearby Attractions
For information about nearby communities:Raton, NM - 30 miles west of park
Raton Chamber and Economic Development Council
Clayton, NM - 58 miles east of park
Clayton New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Nearby New Mexico State Parks
Sugarite Cayon State Park 45mi
Clayton Lake State Park 73mi
Camping, hiking and fishing are available at both parks.
Folsom, NM
Folsom Museum
A group of Folsom citizens decided to develop a museum to honor the Folsom Man Discovery, to preserve and display local artifacts, and to record pioneer history. The Museum is open daily in summer and by appointment in winter.
Fort Union National Monument is 126 miles south of Capulin Volcano on Interstate 25. Fort Union was established in 1851 by Lieutenant Colonel Edwin V. Sumner as a guardian and protector of the Santa Fe Trail.The largest visible network of Santa Fe Trail ruts can be seen here.
Pecos National Historical Park is 180 miles south of Capulin Volcano on Interstate 25. Pecos NHP preserves 12,000 years of history.
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site is 141 miles northeast of Capulin Volcano near La Junta, CO. William and Charles Bent, along with Ceran St. Vrain, built the original adobe fort on this site in 1833 to trade with Plains Indians and trappers. The primary trade was with the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians for buffalo robes.
Great Sand Dunes National Park is 175 miles northwest of Capulin Volcano near Alamosa, CO. North America's tallest wind-shaped dunes rise over 750 feet high against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a geologic wonderland containing over 30 square miles of massive dunes.
Capulin Volcano In Depth
News from the Parks
Rainier Landmark Meets Wrecking Ball
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
New River Gorge National River Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
Park to Go with 720 Sleds per Day
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
Falling Boulders Endanger Lives at Yosemite
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
