Santa Fe Trail
Capulin Volcano National Monument, NM

Capulin Volcano rises over 1,000 feet above its surrounding region. It stands as proof of the volcanic processes and geology that characterizes northeastern New Mexico. Today, animals such as mule deer, wild turkey, and black bears are found here.

Drive the 2-mile road that spirals to the top of this volcano. Follow paved trails into the crater and around its rim to explore the volcano and take in the magnificent views of the encompassing volcanic landscape. Capulin is the Spanish word for wild cherry or choke cherry bushes that grow in the crater of the National Monument. Capulin is a 60,000-year-old example of a extinct volcano and a classic cinder cone that provides education and study for students of elementary and higher education.