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Capulin Volcano National Monument

Mammoths, giant bison, and short-faced bears witnessed the earthquakes and firework-like explosions which hurled molten rock thousands of feet into the air. Approximately 60,000 years ago, the rain of cooling cinders formed Capulin Volcano, a nearly perfectly-shaped cinder cone, rising more than 1000 feet above the surrounding landscape.

 
aerial color photo of capulin volcano showing crater and road

Access to the Volcano

A 2-mile paved road to the top of the volcano and paved trails into the crater and around its rim provide access to explore the volcano. more>>
 
color photo of aerial view of volcano

Geology

Although long extinct, Capulin Volcano offers visitors excellent opportunities for observing and understanding volcanic formation and 10 million years of geologic history in Northern New Mexico. more>>
 
 
 

Write to

Capulin Volcano NM
P.O. Box 40
Des Moines, NM 88418

Phone

Capulin Volcano
(575) 278-2201

Fax

(575) 278-2211

Climate

Capulin Volcano is at more than 7000 feet in elevation. Summers are cooler than typical of the Southwest and winters are cold and snowy. In summer, highs may reach 85 with lows in the 50s. Winter may have warm days in the 60s, but single digit temperatures and snow are common.
Communities Surrounding Capulin Volcano National Monument
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Capulin, NM (3 min. )
Folsom, NM (7 min. ) Pop. 75
Des Moines, NM (15 min. ) Pop. 177
Branson, CO (28 min. ) Pop. 77
Grenville, NM (37 min. ) Pop. 25
Raton, NM (40 min. ) Pop. 7,282
Trinchera, CO (46 min. )
Gladstone, NM (1 hr.  16 min. )