capulin volcano national monument

We visited Capulin many years ago. This trip some of our party who had never made the climb wanted to go - so we did!I had forgotten the view of Northern New Mexico from the top. It was a cold December day and the trees were covered with ice crystals from a rapid moving cold front. Yet we had clear skys and could see into Colorado and perhaps even further south.We spotted several wild deer foraging at the top and took some excellent photos.Buy a senior pass if you are of age. It is not much more than regular admission and provides admission to all other parks in addition to Capulin.

I love going to Capulin and stop there whenever we pass by on a trip. It doesn't change much from time to time, but the kids love going on the trail to center and along the rim. It is not only a beautiful place for views of the surrounding area, but also a nice place to get out, stretch, and let the kids bitten off some energy. Watch out for the afternoon thunderstorms if you go in the summer and take a light jacket for spring and fall as it can get a bit chilly.

A volcano in New Mexico? Yes, many many years ago. It's definitely worth visiting if any where close. It's a shame that this National Monumnet is so far off the beaten path. But that makes it less crowded. It has a very good visit center and nice paved path around the rim with beautiful views. There's a small $5 fee per vehicle, which is good for seven days. We had a picnic lunch there before heading to the Great Sand Dunes.

Away from major New Mexico attractions but absolutely worth it. Driving up a bit scary if you have a fear of heights, but at the top- perfect silence (or powerful winds, depends on the day), incredible 360 degree views stretching to infinity, and an intoxicating scent of local brush, sage, and whatever may be blooming at the moment. There's a climb from the parking lot to the top, but definitely worth the effort. Happened to get to the top just as a storm was passing by- the change of dark to light, the sight of clouds and rain moving fast was breath taking!

I went on a trip with my children and Grandchildren, we were visiting some family in the near by area and we decided to go to the Volcano. The view is very impress, and very picture perfect. Even though I have some bad knees I walked a little bit of the rim. What really impressed me was the Visitor Center. They had a very nice gift shop, my grandson loved it. He got to do the Junior Ranger Program, he was sworn in by a handsome Ranger named Ty. To bad if I wasn't a little younger. lol I also talked with a young women named Theresa, she was so kind and had the patience of a saint when my family was around her. I would highly recommend this place to others.

go down 119 feet and go up 400 feet. a good climb and view of the surrounding area with signs to tell you what you are looking at. they have a couple of trails. we saw about 40 or 50 deer at close range. many in the 25 to 50 feet range. there are not many volcano's to see but this is one of the best.

This is a very intresting site. There is a trail that goes to the bottom of the volcano and one that goes all the way around the rim. The trails are paved and can be done by people who are not necessarily athletic. There are wonderful views with lots of information boards and bences. Remember to take water.

This is a relative obscure national monument outside of Raton, New Mexico (Northeast NM). It's a perfect example of a cinder cone volcano. You can drive up a paved road to the top for some incredible vistas and great paved hiking trails. The visitor center is nice too. Worth the visit but easy to miss on the highway or in your planning if you're going thru Northeast New Mexico.

As with the other reviews, if you are anywhere near, don't miss this. This is a picture perfect example of a cinder cone volcano, well worth the stop, and not a strenuous hike. The rim hike gives you a terrific view of all the surrounding landscape, but can be quitewindy up top. The trip down into the cone to the vent is awesome. Enjoyed a nice picnic at the covered shelter at the parking lot during a brief shower.

Nice view from the rim. Beautiful view of countryside. The road to the rim is narrow with steep sides but worth the drive.

Wife and I took our five year old boy today and it was a great trip! First the rangers here are very nice to visitors and very helpful and informative! The park is very clean and accessible. Facilities are "outdoor" bathrooms but kept very well and clean. The volcano is still as I remember as a child. My son and I went around the cone rim and make sure you check with the rangers on which way you go up first because each are taxing in it's own way (left side first is hard on the heart) (right side is easier but very hard on the knees during the decline). My kid is very active and in great shape and struggled on the incline at the highest point so that'll give you an idea. But plenty of wildlife and a great day trip for some. Go visit!!

This area of New Mexico is littered with volcanic cones. Capulin is an example of a near perfect one. There is a road that loops around the volcano so you can drive right up to the top. This road is not for the faint of heart. It is narrow and drops off pretty steeply with very little shoulder. If you can stomach the drive, the view from the top is amazing.

If you are going by this Monument, take the time to visit and stretch your legs. The history and geology is impressive and this cinder cone is an excellent example of this type of volcano.

A great side trip if you are on your way to Taos or Raton or Colorado. Very nice visitor center and up on top the view is super.

Arriving late - after the visitor center closed - we enjoyed the Nature Trail with its impressive lava squeeze up. We then took a leisurely hike on Lava Flow Trail, which afforded beautiful views of Sierra Grande, an extinct volcano shield. The Boca Trail, a more strenuous hike, is also accessible after hours, but we decided to watch the sunset near the Nature Trail, instead. We were rewarded with striking colors on the horizon and some wildlife viewing - mostly deer. The next morning we returned for Summer Market, which was well organized by helpful, friendly staff. Local vendors, a catering truck, and live music were all popular with the crowd. After watching the informative movie in the visitors center, we ascended Volcano Road - a spectacular spiral drive. We hiked Crater Rim Trail at a moderate pace, stopping to view many points of interest in the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. Just be careful of intermittent winds, which carried my camera case away! The short hike into the bottom of the crater was also fascinating. There is a pleasant, shaded picnic area with parking just off Volcano Road near the base. After relaxing here, we took a scenic drive north on Capulin Hwy., west on Johnson Mesa, where Baby Capulin and other sites visible from Crater Rim Trail loom.