Capulin lies within the 8,000 square mile Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field (RCVF). Potential still exists for future eruptions from dormant volcanoes in the field today. Capulin Volcano, like many cinder cones, had only one eruptive period and is now considered extinct.
What is the Capulin mountain?
Capulin Volcano National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located in northeastern New Mexico that protects and interprets an extinct cinder cone volcano and is part of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. The name capulin comes from a type of choke cherry, Prunus virginiana, that is native to southern North America.
What kind of volcano is Capulin?
Cinder Cone Volcano
Explore an Extinct Cinder Cone Volcano Part of the 8,000 square mile Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, Capulin Volcano showcases the volcanic geology of northeastern New Mexico.
When was the last time Capulin erupted?
56,000 to 62,000 years ago
From its perch at the western edge of the Great Plains, it commands a clear view of New Mexico, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Capulin last erupted roughly 56,000 to 62,000 years ago.
Is Capulin mountain open?
Capulin Volcano National Monument is open from dawn to dusk for the trails and lower areas of the monument. The Visitor Center and Volcano Road are open year round with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Days.
Is Capulin volcano free?
Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. The maximum size of a vehicle allowed on the Volcano Road without a permit is 26 feet in length and/or 8 feet in width.
When did the Capulin volcano last erupt?
Capulin last erupted roughly 56,000 to 62,000 years ago. The volcano sits near the center of the Raton-Clayton field, a cluster of smaller volcanoes spread across 7,500 square miles (roughly 19,400 square kilometers).
Was there a volcano in Kansas?
There have been no volcanoes in Kansas since the beginning of Paleozoic time, over 590 million years ago. Igneous intrusive rocks can be collected in other places in Kansas, but they have been carried in by water or glaciers and are not native.
Where is Capulin Volcano national monument in New Mexico?
Capulin Volcano National Monument. Capulin Volcano National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located in northeastern New Mexico that protects and interprets an extinct cinder cone volcano and is part of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field.
How do I get to Mount Capulin?
From Raton and I-25, the volcano is about a half-hour drive east on U.S. 64. The village of Capulin lies just across the Colfax County line, in Union County; once you enter Capulin be prepared to turn left, onto NM 325. A couple of miles (and a couple of cattle guards) later, the entrance to the Capulin National Monument will be on your right.
How big is Capulin Volcano?
Part of the 8,000 square mile Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, Capulin Volcano showcases the volcanic geology of northeastern New Mexico. The views are spectacular day or night, with views of 4 different states from the volcanic rim and one of the darkest night skies in the country.
What is Capulin national monument known for?
On December 31, 1987, Congress changed the Monument’s name from Capulin Mountain National Monument to Capulin Volcano National Monument by Public Law 100-225 (101 Stat. 1547). Although Capulin is primarily known for its volcanic geology, the park boasts a rich diversity of plant and animal life.
