Capulin Volcano National Monument

The extinct Capulin Volcano rises above the landscape.

Enjoy the stark beauty of Capulin Volcano National Monument.

This national park offers a rare opportunity to walk inside a volcano. Capulin Mountain is an extinct volcano that erupted between 56,000 and 62,000 years ago. Containing loose cinders, ash and other debris, the mountain is blanketed by green brush and supports diverse animal life.

The visitor center, situated near the park entrance, has exhibits and a 10-minute video explaining the volcano's history. A 200-foot interpretive trail behind the visitors center is wheelchair-accessible. There is a picnic area at the base of the volcano.

A two-mile road spirals to the volcano's summit, ending at a parking area where two self-guiding trails begin. A 0.2-mile trail goes to the vent at the bottom of the crater and a mile-long path circles the rim. The road sometimes closes due to snow and hard rain.

There are campgrounds nearby, but none in the park.