Capulin Volcano National Monument

"Capulin Volcano is a hidden gem for those seeking a serene escape into nature's embrace. My recent visit during the winter season left me enchanted by the tranquility and beauty of this natural wonder. Despite being the off-season, the park was not busy, allowing for an intimate exploration of its breathtaking landscapes. The snow-covered trails painted a picture-perfect scene, transforming Capulin Volcano into a winter wonderland straight out of a storybook. What truly made my visit memorable was the warm welcome and hospitality extended by the Park Ranger on duty. Navigating the park's trails looked like a delight, but it was too icy to attempt the small hikes. From the rim of the volcano, I marveled at the vast expanse of the dormant crater below, a testament to the earth's raw power and beauty. As I ventured deeper into the park, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of peace and wonder wash over me. The crisp winter air, the silence broken only by the occasional rustle of wildlife, created a sense of harmony with nature that is truly unparalleled. My visit to Capulin Volcano was nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you're a nature enthusiast seeking solace in the great outdoors or simply looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of winter, Capulin Volcano offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe. A heartfelt thank you to the Park Ranger for their hospitality and dedication to preserving this natural treasure for future generations to enjoy."

"This is one of my favorite places that I never expected to encounter. Found this in passing while I was driving to visit my son in Colorado. A freaking volcano in New Mexico! This was my second trip to the volcano! There is a trail that takes you down to the volcano vent and another trail that takes you around the rim. Both are very steep and will give your legs and lungs a workout! That said, the views are amazing and worth the burn!"

"A fantastic day trip with several relatively short trails around lava flows, the crater rim, and down into the crater. The views from the crater rim are breathtaking and the hike down into the crater is an interesting experience. The roadway to the top only has a few spots with guard rails, but it did not feel unsafe. Drive carefully and enjoy the views once you’re on the top. Overall, I would highly recommend a detour here on a road trip."

"It has been quite a while since we were here but we love this park and want to go back. There are hiking trails down into the volcano as well as along the rim. Be prepared for extreme winds on the rim. Some of the trail is completely exposed and the sudden gusts could make you lose balance. The views here are absolutely beautiful. You can drive part way up the volcano to a parking lot where there are restrooms. This provides amazing views and you may see some wildlife. We arrived as the park was opening and saw several mule deer on our drive up. We also saw a herd of Pronghorn ib the distance. The hike around the rim is definitely worth the effort. There is a visitor center that has some souvenirs and restrooms. There is no camping here. Definitely worth a visit."

"Amazing views! Breathtaking! We got to the top around 3:15. They cut the trails off at 4:15. We were able to circle the mile long crater loop in 30 mins. It has an elevation change of 305ft. The trail to the bottom of the crater is .2 miles & a change of 105ft. Bring water & a something for your hair, it's windy."