Capulin Volcano
| Capulin Volcano National Monument | |
|---|---|
Last erupted between 55,000 and 62,000 years ago | |
| Location | Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, Union County, New Mexico, New Mexico, United States |
| Coordinates | 36°46′56″N 103°58′12″W / 36.78222°N 103.97000°W |
| Area | 793 acres (321 ha) |
| Elevation | 2,494 m (8,182 ft) |
| Max. elevation | 8,182 |
| Authorized | August 9, 1916 |
| Visitors | 67,442 (in 2018) |
| Governing body | Department of the Interior |
| Website | 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. A paved road spirals gradually around the volcano and visitors can drive up to a parking lot at the rim of the extinct volcano. Hiking trails circle the rim and lead down into the mouth of the volcano. The monument was designated on August 9, 1916, and is administered by the National Park Service. The volcano is located 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) north of the village of Capulin.
Capulin Volcano is characterized by a 1.7 km circumference crater, which rises 305 meters above the surrounding terrain, with a crater depth of 125 meters. The volcanic structure consists of multiple lava flow units and cinder/spatter eruptions. The flow units erupted in three primary directions: southeast, west, and north. The second and third series of flows originated from a site known as the boca (Spanish for "mouth"), located at the base of the cone. These eruptions formed intermittent lava lakes, and portions of the cone were displaced on the lava's surface.
The visitor center features exhibits about the volcano and the area's geology, natural and cultural history, and offers educational programs about volcanoes. There is also a video presentation about the volcano. The name capulin comes from a type of choke cherry, Prunus virginiana, that is native to North America.
Apollo 16's John Young and Charlie Duke did some of their geologic training here in May 1971. William R. Muehlberger was one of the geology instructors.