Trails in Capulin Volcano National Monument

Boca Picnic Area Trail

about 20 ft of climbing · 7,282 ft–7,298 ft · native surface · hiking

Picnic areas

Along the way Picnic Area

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Boca Trail

1.6 mi one way · about 300 ft of climbing · 7,290 ft–7,473 ft · native surface · hiking

Picnic areas

Along the way Picnic Area

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Crater Rim Trail

0.9 mi loop · about 300 ft of climbing · 7,878 ft–8,160 ft · asphalt surface · hiking

SheltersExhibits

Along the way Building a Cinder Cone Interpretive Exhibit Gambel Oak Interpretive Exhibit Grasslands Meet Mountains Interpretive Exhibit Juniper Interpretive Exhibit Ladybugs Interpretive Exhibit Landmarks and Trails Interpretive Exhibit Making a Monument Interpretive Exhibit Mountain Mahogany Interpretive Exhibit Mule Deer Interpretive Exhibit Plantlife Interpretive Exhibit Porcupines Feasted Here Interpretive Exhibit Pressure Ridges I Interpretive Exhibit and 13 more

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Lava Flow Trail

0.8 mi one way · about 100 ft of climbing · 7,182 ft–7,279 ft · native surface · hiking

Picnic areas

Along the way Group Picnic Area

Hike Trails at the Base of Capulin Volcano the Park Service's write-up

10-180 Minutes · no dogs

Start Parking Lot at the Visitor Center

Take a walk over and around the lava flows Capulin Volcano produced. With over 3 miles of trail at the base of the volcano, there's plenty of opportunities to enjoy the volcanic geology of this unique cinder cone.

The Nature Trail is a figure eight sidewalk trail that is accessible to all. Stop along the way at descriptors discussing plant life, geology, and wildlife in this short walk around a volcanic "squeeze up."

The Lava Flow Trail is an unimproved, 1 mile loop that crosses a couple of the volcano's lava flows while providing great views of the surrounding volcanic topography.

The Boca Trail is an unimproved, 2 mile loop through the Boca area, which is the vent area at the base from which the volcano's lava flows originated. The trail provides close up views of numerous geologic features including collapsed lava tubes.

Pets While pets are allowed on the Nature Trail as long as they are on a leash, only service animals are allowed on the Lava Flow Trail and Boca Trail.

Accessibility Service animals are allowed on all trails at Capulin Volcano. The Nature Trail is a fully accessible, tenth of a mile, flat, 5 foot wide smooth concrete path that can be accessed by a ramp from the end of the patio in front of the visitor center. The Lava Flow Trail is a rough, 1 mile, 1 to 10 feet wide, uneven trail covered in dirt, cinder, and large lava rocks with steep uneven steps in places. The Boca Trail is a rough, 2 mile, sometimes steep, 1 to 3 feet wide, uneven trail covered in dirt, lava rocks, and rolling cinder.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Nature Trail

0.1 mi one way · 7,246 ft–7,248 ft · concrete surface · hiking

ExhibitsVisitor centers

Along the way Basalt Interpretive Exhibit Chokecherry Interpretive Exhibit Currants and Gooseberries Interpretive Exhibit Juniper Interpretive Exhibit Lava Flow Surface Interpretive Exhibit Lava Squeeze Up Interpretive Exhibit Lichens Interpretive Exhibit Oakbrush Interpretive Exhibit Pinon Pine Interpretive Exhibit Ponderosa Interpretive Exhibit Prairie Grasses Interpretive Exhibit Prickly Pear Cactus Interpretive Exhibit and 6 more

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Sierra Grande Viewpoint Trail

7,188 ft–7,194 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Vent Trail

0.1 mi one way · 80 ft of descent · 7,785 ft–7,867 ft · asphalt surface · hiking

SheltersExhibits

Along the way Building a Cinder Cone Interpretive Exhibit Capulin Chokecherry Interpretive Exhibit Grasslands Meet Mountains Interpretive Exhibit Making a Monument Interpretive Exhibit The Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field Interpretive Exhibit Volcanic Plumbing Interpretive Exhibit Crater Rim Shelter

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end