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Capulin Volcano National Monument

To visit the National Parks Service Site:

Located seven miles south of beautiful Folsom, New Nexico is Capulin Volcano National Monument, a dormant volcano with an elevation of 8,135 feet. It is one of the largest and most symmetrical of the geologically recent cinder cones in the United States, and last active about 56,000 to 62,000 years ago.

The crater measures about 1,450 feet in diameter and 415 feet in depth. Geologists classify the cinder cone as recent, and thus potentially active, along with Twin Mountain and Baby Capulin. The significant feature of Capulin is the symmetry of the cone. Lava flows were not associated with its activity, but did originate from a secondary vent near the base. (See Lava Flow Map Below). Thus great amounts of pressure relieved and the shape of the cone is preserved.

From the highest point on the crater rim trail, which overlooks Colorado, Kansas, Texas and New Mexico, the elevation is 8, 182 feet. Capulin Mountain was likely a landmark for travelers as early as 1706.

The first improvement in the area was a 2 mile road, began in 1925 and completed in 1926. The spiral road was built by local residents with the assistance of Congressman Morrow, who was able to have $2,000.00 set aside for construction. Homer Farr, a Capulin resident, was offered the job as custodian; his first task was to survey the boundary and then begin road construction. A homemade mule-drawn fresco and horse drawn grader followed survey markers; dynamite and picks were used to loosen volcanic material to widen the trail for cars.

Since 1926, the road has been rebuilt and allows easy access for thousands of visitors from all over the world. Capulin visitors are able to enjoy nature walks or the beauty of New Mexico froma high advantage point.

A National Monument, Capulin Volcano receives thousands of visitors from all over the United States and other countries. The Visitor Center, built in 1964, contains exhibits relating to the natural history of the area. A movie of the geological history of Capulin is available for viewing and suitable for all ages.

A beautiful picnic area is located at the base of Capulin, and Park Rangers are in attendance at the Monument. During summer months, ladybugs use the vegetation of the volcano for a breeding ground.

FALSE ERUPTION ?

In 1906, there was a "false eruption". A fire, started in the crater by local cowboys, was intended to ward off local homesteaders. The eruption story was aided by a phone call from the telephone operator in Folsom to the Raton Range. The story was amplified and before long, windows had been broken and some homesteaders had boxes packed and were ready to move to safety on short notice.

FOLSOM VISTAS

Most of the mountains around Folsom are extinct volcanoes with elevations of over 8,000 feet. To the west are several mesa, the largest being beautiful Johnson Mesa, which was well populated in the early 1900's. Much farming was done on the mesa, and substantial crops of wheat, corn, oats, and potatoes were raised.

Today, Johnson Mesa is used exclusively as summer grazing for cattle, with few inhabitants in residence. Many past residents chose to relocat to town to send their children to school, and subsequent generations have remained in town or relocated elsewhere to obtain employment. A few of the older generation spend some time on the mesa during summer months.

East of Capulin Volcano, about 10 miles, and southeast of the Village of Folsom is SIerra Grande. Sierra Grande is the largest single mountian in the United States. Measuring 40 miles around the base and having a total area of 50 square miles, Sierra Grande has an elevation of 8,732 feet, and is an extinct shield volcano about 1 million years old.

There are three different volcanic fields within the Clayton field, which includes SIerra Grande. The Raton Field, which contains the mesas, is next, with the Capulin Field containing Mount Capulin, being the youngest.

Just east of Folsom is Twin Mountain, consisting of volcanic cinders. The cinder pit located there is owned by Twin Mountain Rock Company, and provides employment for many local people. Cinders are screened acording to size and sold for landscaping or to be made into cinder blocks. Both red and black cinders are on Twin Mountain, and this creates an unusual and beautiful vista when viewed from the highway.

A snow-capped Capulin Volcano, 1998.