New Mexico Capulin Volcano National Monument map and highlights

Detailed guide of Capulin Volcano National Monument In  northeastern New Mexico, east of Raton.    

Capulin Volcano National Monument In northeastern New Mexico, east of Raton.    

Capulin Volcano, named for the capulin (chokecherry) plants that  grow on its slopes, is a cinder cone formed by a volcanic eruption that  occurred between 56,000 and 62,000 years ago. The 1,082-foot mountain  that remains consists mostly of loose cinders and ash, and is one of the  most accessible cinder cones in the United States. The pinyon-juniper  woodland and brush-covered slopes in the High Plains ecosystem of the  Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field provide habitat for a number of animal  species. The monument was proclaimed August 9, 1916, as Capulin Mountain  National Monument, then changed to Capulin Volcano National Monument on  December 31,1987.    

WHAT TO SEE & DO    

Driving, hiking, picnicking, watching movie. Facilities: Visitor  center, movies, guided and self-guided tours, hiking trails. Book and  map sales, picnic tables with fire grates. Programs & Events:  Ranger-led volcano talks (daily June-Aug.). Tips & Hints: Avoid rim  trail during threatening weather. Go in June and July for wildflower  bloom peaks and ladybugs swarming on rim trail. Visit in May, late Aug.,  and Sept. for best weather with few visitors. Busiest June and July,  least crowded Jan. and Feb.    

FOOD    

Restaurants: None in park. In Capulin: Capulin Country Store  (corner of U.S. 64/87 and Rte. 325, tel. 505/278-3900; $5-$8; no dinner,  closed Nov.-Apr. on Mon.-Thurs.).    

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS    

Entrance fee: $5 per vehicle, $3 per person on motorcycle. No  hunting. No off-trail hiking. No pets or strollers on trails. No  trailers, towed vehicles, pedestrians, or bikes on volcano road. Park  and visitor center open Memorial Day-Labor Day, Sun.-Thurs. 7:30-6:30,  Fri. and Sat. dawn-dusk; Labor Day-Memorial Day, daily 8-4.    

HOW TO GET THERE    

3 mi north of Capulin via Rte. 325; 37 mi east of Raton or 61 mi west of Clayton via U.S. 64/87. Closest airport: Raton.    

CONTACTS    

Capulin Volcano National Monument (Box 40, Capulin, NM 88414,  tel. 505/278-2201, fax 505/278-2211,  Raton Chamber and Economic  Development Council (100 Clayton Rd., Raton, NM 87740, tel.  505/445-3689).   

Capulin Volcano National Monument guide. Detailed guide of  Capulin Volcano National Monument In northeastern New Mexico, east of  Raton