Capulin Volcano National Monument

"My wife and I intentionally routed our return east from Taos, New Mexico, so that we could visit Capulin Volcano. We weren't disappointed. At 70 years old, I climbed a volcano (something to tell the kids) and enjoyed the amazing views from the top! My senior National Parks pass got us in for free. It's an easy 10-minute drive from the visitor center to the parking lot near the top. From the parking lot there are two paved trails: one to the bottom of the caldera and another that circles the rim. I walked the latter trail that is 1 mile long and rises (if I recall correctly) an additional 395 feet in elevation. I enjoyed the view and got a great workout! The visitor center had some nice souvenirs."

"This volcano is higher up than it looks from the ground! It was absolutely amazing!! Loved the views. Going down into core was pretty cool, it is a steep climb back up the pathway. Binoculars available at the top. Definitely worth I visit. Don't pass this up!!"

"Capulin Volcano was truly amazing... the fresh air, the peace, and the stunning views made it unforgettable. The drive up to the top, slowly circling the volcano, was a wow moment all on its own. The park rangers were very friendly and welcoming, which added to the experience. At the top, you can hike the rim for incredible panoramic photos. You can also hike down into the crater.... it’s a shorter trail and not quite as breathtaking as the rim, but still very enjoyable. ​This place is beautifully maintained and clearly well cared for. It would be a crime to give it anything less than 5/5"

"Small National monument - can do in about 2-3 hours. Beautiful view from the top of the crater cone. The trail at the top is about a mile - took us about 35-40 minutes, including various stops for pictures! View from the top is awesome - very happy we made the detour on our way to Taos. Could not do the Night sky view - but in the summer months park rangers conduct a night watch, and they have some good telescopes too!"

"A wonderful place to visit. I walked the rim trail all the way around. It took me a long time to do be cause I had to keep stopping to rest. I took the stairs to the right near the restrooms. I don't think I would have made it If I had started on the left side which was a lot steeper. It was very windy at the top. There are benches on the path so you can rest and enjoy the view."