Last week during spring break I drove from Colorado Spring to Houston. On the way back I stopped at Capulin Volcano National Monument. This extinct volcano is located in northern New Mexico, about 60 miles from the Colorado border.
It is one of the least visited National Monuments due to its relatively remote location. The highway that I was on was three miles from the main gate so I figured it would be a good chance to stretch my legs and see a new NPS site.
At 9 AM on a Tuesday morning I was the only person at the monument. I think that the Rangers at the visitor center where a little surprised to see me.
There is a two mile long road up the volcano.
The road up Capulin Volcano
Once you get to the top there is a 1 mile trail that loops around the crater’s rim. On this day the trail was snowpacked in some places but still passable. I would have like to have had some waterproof boots but I made do. As I came down the far side of the trail I saw a few deer. I stopped to watch them and then I saw more and more. It ended up being a herd of 12 or more mule deer.
There was also a trail that went down into the crater but I decided to save that for another day. I was excited to get home to Mandy and Caleb after three days away.
Never heard of it before today. Thanks so sharing. We’re getting excited about little Aaron’s birth just ahead. May it go smoothly for you all.
Debi
that road picture is beautiful! really cool site! Kelly
awesome! We used to trek up and down all sorts of hills in NM, not sure if we ever hit Capulin though – will have to ask my Dad…
There’s so much we all need to explore! Exciting times!