September 24, 2021

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Raton Journey KOA Raton, New Mexico

Happy Birthday Mom!!! We love you!

I had a great morning walk through Clayton State Park.  There were lots of buzzards on the rocks near the lake and flying in lazy circles.

We saw several scattered groups of antelope on the way down the road.  We were on our way to Raton.  We were going to pass right by Capulin Volcano National Monument. 

We decided to stop.  We went into the visitor center for maps and information.  On our way out, a volunteer had set up a solar telescope.  We were able to look through and see the sun.  It was very awesome.

We had to unhook the tow vehicle because the RV wasn’t allowed to travel on Volcano Road.  The road spiraled up around the volcano cone and the views were spectacular.  This is the Raton-Capulin Volcanic Field.

From the parking lot there were two hikes.  We walked the shortest distance first.  It was ¼ mile into the crater to the vent of the volcano.  This volcano has been extinct for more than 10,000 years and is plugged with lava rock.  These cone volcanoes only erupt once and then lie dormant.  This is one of many volcanoes that existed here.  It is not impossible that a new volcano could someday form in this area.  The natives in this area consider the lava rock to be sacred.  It was born in the center of Mother Earth and this volcano is considered a strong spiritual place.

We took the 1-mile loop walk around the rim.  The trail rose 305 feet above the parking lot.  The ascent was steep as was the descent.  We were glad that we have both been exercising because this was a good hike at 8100 feet!

The lichen on the lava rock could be as much as 10,000 years old.  The acid from the plants causes the rock to disintegrate and it forms soil for the trees and plants living here.  We saw yucca and pinion trees and the whole place smelled like juniper.

We traveled a short distance to the town of Raton.  After settling in at the campground, we took a ride through town.  We were hoping to take the scenic road to Climax Canyon but it appeared as though the road had washed out a long time ago.  At the other end, there was a locked gate.  We did find Goat Hill and we had a view of Raton from above.

Old truck of the day.

After a decent Mexican dinner in downtown Raton, it was time to rest!