Hike Trails at the Base of Capulin Volcano
Capulin Volcano National Monument
The trails at the base of Capulin Volcano are less traveled and quieter than the ones on the top and offer a different view of the volcanic geology here.
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.
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10-180 Minutes
Spend as much or as little time as you want hiking the trails. The Nature Trail is the shortest and takes about 10 minutes to walk. The Boca and Lava Flow Trails can be combined into a 3 mile loop for a longer hike.
There is no fee for hiking the trails at the base of the volcano from the visitor center parking area.
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Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
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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.
No — 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.
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All ages are welcome to hike these trails. Be prepared for the changes in elevation (the trails are around 7,300 feet or 2,225 meters above sea level and are rocky in places). Always bring water with you when hiking.
Parking Lot at the Visitor Center
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