Capulin Mountain National Monument-- NM
We will be going by Capulin Mountain National Monument on our trip to Great Sand Dunes in CO. We will be pressed for time. Should we stop for a few hours or by pass it.
Forum Discussion
Capulin is the only complete standalone cinder cone from a volcano that I'm aware of with a road to the top, and a walk down into the crater, at least in the US.
I found it extremely interesting, especially since it is so very different from any of the 'big' volcanic mountians. Well worth a few hours, I'd even like to spend a whole day if we are traveling past it again some time.
But I'm interested in learning the history and how the volcano was created. A lot of 'see the sights' RVers only want to stop for an interesting view and move on quickly.
However, I wouldn't go out of my way for a special trip. If traveling along US-64, we will stop. If on I-25, not worth the side trip unless I have time to kill.
As mentioned - Trailers and large RVs are not allowed on the road to the top.
There is a small, nice RV park in the town of Capulin if you want to spend the night. A couple years ago when we were there, there is not anyplace in Capulin to eat, so if you wanted to go out to dinner, it is about 30 miles to Raton.
The next time we visit Capulin will probably be while camping at New Mexico's Sugarite Canyon SP just outside Raton.
I found it extremely interesting, especially since it is so very different from any of the 'big' volcanic mountians. Well worth a few hours, I'd even like to spend a whole day if we are traveling past it again some time.
But I'm interested in learning the history and how the volcano was created. A lot of 'see the sights' RVers only want to stop for an interesting view and move on quickly.
However, I wouldn't go out of my way for a special trip. If traveling along US-64, we will stop. If on I-25, not worth the side trip unless I have time to kill.
As mentioned - Trailers and large RVs are not allowed on the road to the top.
There is a small, nice RV park in the town of Capulin if you want to spend the night. A couple years ago when we were there, there is not anyplace in Capulin to eat, so if you wanted to go out to dinner, it is about 30 miles to Raton.
The next time we visit Capulin will probably be while camping at New Mexico's Sugarite Canyon SP just outside Raton.
