Mammoths, giant bison, and short-faced bears were witness to the first tremblings of the earth and firework-like explosions of molten rock thousands of feet into the air. 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.

Although long extinct, Capulin Volcano is dramatic 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.

 Directions 

Plane - Major airlines operate in Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Amarillo. Albuquerque and Denver are approximately 270 miles from the monument. Colorado Springs and Amarillo are about 190 miles.

Car - If traveling by car, the monument is located 33 miles east of Raton, NM, via US Highway 64/87 and 58 miles west of Clayton, NM, via the same highway. The park entrance is off New Mexico Highway 325, 3 miles north of the town of Capulin. Interstate 25 connects Raton with Denver, Colorado, from the north, and Albuquerque and Santa Fe, NM, from the south.

Public Transportation - There is no commercial transportation available to the park.