Exploring Capulin Volcano National Monument in New Mexico
Capulin Volcano National Monument in New Mexico is the first volcano both Deanna and I were able to go visit together! Whether you want to just drive up to the top for some awesome views, or get some hiking in for the day, this place has quite a bit to offer!
CAPULIN VOLCANO NATIONAL MONUMENT
When visiting Capulin Volcano National Monument, there is an entry fee of $20 per vehicle, unless you have the national parks’ pass. If you have the national parks’ pass you of course get in for free!
Capulin Volcano, along with all the mountains/volcanoes around it, were once very active. While visiting this park, I highly recommend checking out the visitor center and absorbing in all the information possible before driving to the top. It really helps bring in the history of the area and helps one to admire all the work nature put into such a beautiful mountain.
HIKING AT CAPULIN VOLCANO NATIONAL MONUMENT
Although there isn’t a TON of hiking around this area, there are some really neat trails to check out. Near the visitor center itself there are 2 trails that are actually dog friendly. The first is literally just a sidewalk, but if you go to the south side of that sidewalk you will find a neat trail through an open field that is also dog friendly. On this trail you will see/trip over a bunch of lava rocks, but be careful of the cacti as some are starting to grow in the trail itself.
There are 2 other trails located at the base of the volcano that we didn’t have the time to check out, but from what I understand, there are a bunch of lava tubes to go explore on top of. Most of the lava tubes have collapsed over time, but I’m sure it is still a very unique and cool experience.
Since our time was a bit more limited, Deanna and I decided to drive up to the top of Capulin Volcano and hit up the trail that goes around the rim of the volcano and a also within the crater.
OH THE VISTAS
Basically our favorite part of this trip was seeing the ever so many vistas of the incredibly beautiful surrounding area. Just driving to the top would have satisfied us, but since we love to hike…we just had to explore the trails towards the top.
The trails are a little steep with sometimes gnarly drop offs on either side, so do be careful. However, the trail itself is paved and rugged enough to offer some good traction even on those wet days. One thing I do recommend is checking the weather before you head to the volcano. If there is going to be lightning anywhere close, don’t go hiking around because you may just end up becoming a lightning rod. Hike around the top of the volcano when the weather is clear and check for signs around the benches…and you will see what I mean. 🙂
HIKING ALONG THE TOP OF CAPULIN VOLCANO
Beyond just having incredible views at the top of the volcano, there is also a bunch of unique vegetation and wildlife you may encounter along your path. It was pretty barren the day we went hiking, but according to the visitor center this is home to all sorts of creatures that make this a unique ecosystem.
For the most part bugs were not an issue, until we reached the highest peak of the volcano. I still to this day do not know what types of bugs they were, but they bite. I recommend bringing a little bit of bug spray just in case they are still hanging around for went you take your adventure through Capulin Volcano National Monument.
WITHIN THE CRATER
Hiking within the crater itself is kind of an interesting experience. The entire time I couldn’t help but imagine the amazing power this area once possessed building this incredible mountain. All of the vegetation that took hold of Capulin Volcano is truly holding it together and preventing erosion. So when there are signs saying “stay on the path” definitely do so. Capulin Volcano is old and has been around for a while, so it needs a bit of looking after.
OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Valentine Lake Recreation Complex
NOTE FROM WRITER
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Also be sure to check out Deanna’s food blog, The Harvest Skillet, when you get the chance! A lot of awesome and healthy recipes to use there!
Adventure On!
