Discover the Volcanic Wonders of Capulin National Monument

Amarillo is a hop, skip, and jump from Capulin, New Mexico. OK maybe a little further it's about 3 hours, but it's worth the drive to see what nature has given us.

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In this small town, you will find the Capulin Volcano

Lori Crofford

The Capulin Volcano is between Clayton, NM, and Raton, NM, in Capulin. The volcano has existed for over a million years. It is a cinder cone volcano and is believed the last time it erupted was 55,000 - 65,000 years ago.

Many tribes, including the Paleoindians, Jicarilla Apache, and the Ute, have historically used this area as a hunting ground. They hunted on these grounds until the early Spanish explorers searched the area for treasures. In its later years, many ranchers used this land to graze their cattle.

On August 9, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson made the Capulin Volcano a National Monument.

It's a Volcano! - Capulin National Monument

In the small city of Capulin, NM just north of the Texas Panhandle lies a giant volcano. This volcano has been dormant for thousands of years, so the history of the area is long and rich.

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford

The drive to the top of the volcano takes around 2 1/4 hours, with a winding road around the volcano. Once you reach the top, you can choose to hike around the rim or hike down into the volcano. The trees and plants there are beautiful, and the center of the volcano is filled with pieces of lava rock. However, be cautious as there are snakes that like to live on the volcano. The views are breathtaking, and on a clear day, you can see 4 states from the rim of the volcano.

What Does it Cost?

The cost to visit is $20 per vehicle and must be paid at the visitor center. Make sure you take a debit card or credit card because the visitor center is cashless. Inside the visitor center, you can view and learn the history of the volcano, buy some souvenirs, and use the air-conditioned restrooms.

Plus, if you're lucky they will have their giant telescope set up outside where you can look at the sun, and watch the sunburst.

The Capulin Volcano is one of those places to visit with the family. You can take a road trip to just view the volcano, or it's the perfect stop on your way to Colorado.