Capulin Volcano National Monument in New Mexico offers a glimpse into the geological history of North America. Now extinct, the volcano that provides the national monument with its name has been inactive for more than 60,000 years and has come to be the home of many distinct wildlife species including songbirds like the spotted towhee and the Bullock's oriole. From its highest points, you can also see a massive swath of the surrounding area; in fact, from its 8,000-foot elevation, you can see Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and Colorado.
Capulin Volcano National Monument is situated in Union County, NM, and has multiple RV-friendly campgrounds in the immediate area. When you're renting from RVshare.com, you'll have multiple options for your RV type, and you'll be renting from a fellow RV enthusiast.
One of the biggest draws of Capulin Volcano is the panoramic views. From the top, you can see a total of five states. There are four trails here, which include the Crater Rim, Crater Vent, Lava Flow, and Nature trails, so bring a pair of nice hiking shoes as well as gear. Pets aren't allowed in many areas of the park except on the Nature Trail. Capulin Volcano has a dedicated visitor center and a National Parks Association Bookstore within the park where you can purchase things like souvenirs and maps.
Hiking TrailsThis is a paved trail that is designed to provide a 1-mile loop. Despite its paved nature, there are several inclines, so this is one of the more strenuous trails in the national monument. There are informational waysides throughout.
46 Volcano Rd, Capulin, NM 88414
1 miles
Moderate
This trail is adjacent to the volcano's visitor center. This is also the easiest trail to hike since it's all on flat land, and there are descriptors throughout that provide information about the local geology and wildlife.
46 Volcano Rd, Capulin, NM 88414
one-eighth of a mile
Easy
Of the four local trails, Boca is the most strenuous. This is because this trail is completely unimproved, which means that there can be sudden changes in terrain and more than a few inclines to compensate for. This is where the lava flows from the extinct volcano originated.
46 Volcano Rd, Capulin, NM 88414
2 miles
Strenuous
SightseeingClayton Lake is a local state park that is characterized by grasslands and sandstone bluffs. This park also has its namesake lake, which is bordered by a trackway still marked by the dinosaur footprints made here millions of years ago. The lake has fishing opportunities aplenty, and waterfowl hunting is permitted here with a permit.
141 Clayton Lake Rd, Clayton, NM 88415
Another extinct volcanic feature in the area, Sierra Grande, is a stratovolcano that has a 2,200-foot elevation. Both volcanoes are part of the inactive Raton-Clayton volcanic field, and while you're here, you can see many of the states visible from the smaller Capulin. There are several hiking options here.
Union County, NM 88418
Fort Union was one of the country's early forts that functioned between 1851 and 1891. Fort Union is constructed of adobe, and throughout the year, you can take part in events, tours, and special programs. Children can earn a junior ranger badge when they explore the area.
3115 NM-161, Watrous, NM 87753
MuseumsFound in Folsom, NM, Folsom Museum is a local museum that's over 50 years old. Here, you'll find events, exhibits, art installations, and an online store. The museum also has tours throughout the year.
101 Main St, Folsom, NM 88419
The Herzstein Museum is a nonprofit museum that dates back to 1919. Exhibits here explore the history of the Santa Fe Trail, the Dust Bowl, and some of the area's more colorful events, like Black Jack Ketchum's hanging.
22 S 2nd St, Clayton, NM 88415
Tucumcari is dedicated to the rich history of the Tucumcari area, which dates back to the 13th century. At the museum, you can learn about the Anasazi, Apache, and Comanche native tribes that inhabited the area. You'll also learn about more recent history, such as Tucumcari's interactions with Route 66.
416 S Adams St, Tucumcari, NM 88401
Nearby Shops and RestaurantsMock's Crossroads Coffee Mill specializes in providing visitors with roasted coffee, specialty sodas, espresso, and other beverages like cream shakes. You can also find breakfast foods here all day as well as fresh pastries.
2 S Front St, Clayton, NM 88415
Foods like enchiladas, tacos, and burritos can be found at Si, Senor, and you can purchase food here until 9:00 p.m. daily. In addition to the Mexican fare, you can also buy items like hot dogs and pancakes. For a unique flavor, try their Frito pie.
1314 S 1st St, Clayton, NM 88415
At Rope's Western and Casual Wear, it's really easy to find Western-friendly items like jeans, cowboy hats, and boots. In addition to these, there's also a wide range of silver jewelry. If something is out of stock, the store will also ship to your home address.
1107 S 1st St, Clayton, NM 88415
Capulin Country Store has gifts, antiques, and some food items for visitors. This is a particularly useful place to visit if you're looking for native artwork such as jewelry and pottery. You can also find lava rocks from around the area.
37 First St, Capulin, NM 88414
From Clayton, head southwest on Main Street towards North 1st street. Make an immediate right at 1st onto US-64 W/US-87 N/N 1st street. Turn right on NM-325 N, and make another right. You'll then arrive at the national monument.
46 Volcano Rd, Capulin, NM 88414
Fee: Entry fee (per person) $10.0
Fee: Entry fee (parking per vehicle) $20.0
When traveling to majestic Capulin, you're sure to witness some of the most magnificent vistas in the entire state of New Mexico. At Capulin, you'll only be able to bring in a recreational vehicle that is 26 feet or under, so consider renting a smaller RV for this trip from RVshare! There are plenty of options that will accommodate your family.
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