| Approximately 60,000 years ago, the rain of cooling cinders and four lava flows formed Capulin Volcano, a nearly perfectly-shaped cinder cone, rising more than 1000 feet above the surrounding landscape at Capulin Volcano National Monument. Although long extinct, Capulin Volcano is evidence of the volcanic processes that shaped northeastern New Mexico. Today the pine forested volcano provide habitat for mule deer, wild turkey, and black bear.A 2-mile road spiraling to the top of the volcano and paved trails into the crater and around its rim provide access to explore the volcano and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.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. A short Nature Trail is adjacent to the Visitor Center.Roads/Trails: The Volcano Road, which leads to the rim, is approximately two miles long. Trailers, towed vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians are prohibited because the road is narrow and has no shoulders. The road is closed after park hours. Snow, ice accumulation, and/or severe thunderstorms can also close the Volcano Road. Current road conditions are available by calling monument headquarters.The Crater Rim Trail is one mile and the Crater Vent Trail is 0.2 miles. The Lava Flow Trail at the base of the volcano is one mile.Programs/Activities: During the summer, 15-minute ranger programs are offered several times each day. Children six to twelve years of age may participate in the Junior Ranger program, an activity book that takes most children two to three hours to complete. Younger children may participate in the Lady Bug Hunt, a non-collecting scavenger hunt.The Crater Rim Trail is one mile and the Crater Vent Trail is 0.2 miles. The Lava Flow Trail at the base of the volcano is one mile. |
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