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Capulin Volcano National Monumentcolor photograph of Capulin Volcano with entrance sign in foreground
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Capulin Volcano National Monument
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Capulin?
The Spanish pronunciation is Ka-poo-leen, but most people say Cap-u-lin.

When did it last erupt?
The volcanic rock is currently dated at between 56,000 and 62,000 years old.

How far is it to the top? Can I drive?
The road around the volcano is 2 miles. Hiking to the top is permitted only when the road is closed to vehicles.

What is there to do here?
Drive to the top of the volcano, hike into the crater and/or around the crater rim.

I heard I can see 5 states from here. Which ones?
From the highest point on the crater rim trail on a clear day, visitors can see formations in Colorado, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Some claim to see Kansas, but since there are no high points in western Kansas, it's hard to tell. The last formation in New Mexico to the east, Rabbit Ear Mountain, is visible on clear days and anything beyond it is Texas.
Color photograph showing Capulin Volcano in the distance  

Did You Know?
Capulin Volcano is approximately 4 miles in circumference at the base with a crater diameter of 1450 feet and an elevation of 8182 feet at the highest point.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:23 EST