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Capulin Volcano National Monument
Nature & Science
 
Capulin Volcano National Monument, a well-preserved, relatively young (58,000 to 62,000 years old), symmetrical cinder cone,  is one of the outstanding landmarks located in the northeast corner of New Mexico.  It rises steeply from the surrounding grassland plains to an elevation of 8,182 feet above sea level, providing unobstructed, panoramic views of the volcanic field and distant snow-capped mountains. The irregular rim of the crater is about a mile in circumference and the crater about 400 feet deep. 

Capulin Volcano also offers visitors excellent opportunities for observing and understanding volcanic formation. The large volcanic field surrounding the monument contains at least 100 recognizable volcanic features and provides visitors with insights into 10 million years of the geological history of Northern New Mexico.
 color photograph of Capulin Volcano showing road to top.
Capulin Volcano
Geology home page.
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link to information about research permits
How to Obtain Research Permits
Permit information page
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Color aerial photograph of snow covered mesas and peaks in the volcanic field.  

Did You Know?
Capulin Volcano is just one of about one hundred volcanic features in the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field which covers about 8000 square miles in northeastern New Mexico and southeastern Colorado.

Last Updated: February 26, 2009 at 13:16 EST