Capulin Volcano National Monument Highpoint Trip Report
Capulin Volcano (8,182 feet)
Date: July 29, 2011
Author: Fred Lobdell
From Exit 451 on I-25, about 9 miles south of the Colorado state line, take US 64 east
for about 33 miles to the hamlet of Capulin. Turn left (north) onto NM 325
and go about 3 miles to the entrance to the National Monument.
After stopping at the visitors center and paying the entry fee,
continue on the road as it winds around the volcanic cone and ends at a parking area.
(Old people with a Golden Passport don't have to pay any more;
only youngsters must pay!)
From here there is a 1-mile rim walk on a paved footpath that gains about 300 feet
of elevation and passes right over the highest point.
If all you're after is the HP you can take the path in a clockwise direction,
but I walked it counter-clockwise, stopping to read all the interpretive signs en route.
There are fine views in all directions as you go around the rim.
The massive shield volcano of Sierra Grande (Union, NM cohp) is a short distance
to the southeast and to the east you can make out Black Mesa, Oklahoma state HP,
if your eyesight is good and the weather is clear.
I thought the highest natural surface was a few feet clockwise from the HP on the path,
under some bushes and a small tree. I saw several fence lizards and saw a
spotted towhee on this walk.