Capulin Volcano National Park

My mother’s family is in the area so I try to hop on over to Capulin (there’s not much else to do in the area) whenever I can.

It’s remarkably cool and green compared to the flat land surrounding it. There are two paths to take: crater and rim. Both are fun. The crater hike can be surprisingly chilly. On the rim hike, you can watch cloud shadows cross the land.

Mt. Capulin is a strange place. My father and I went there on a road trip when I was between high school and college. My best friend had committed suicide, and my dad took me out of town.

New Mexico in the summer is hot. Melt the soles of your shoes hot. This made Capulin memorable for two reasons: the relative coolness achieved by gaining elevation, and the cacophony of insects.

The view from the top is nice. You can see Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The cool breeze is nicer.

As you walk the rim of the volcano, hordes of brightly-colored yet harmless insects teem beneath your feet and buzz around your body. The chirping and clicking is almost deafening! I’ve been to other places with denser growth, but I’ve never heard the insect world like this.

went once w/ my grandma on my mom’s side…was really cool…then on a trip to colorado yrs later w/ my dad’s parents, i persuaded them to stop…was as cool as i remembered….it’s been a while…would love to return w/ my own family…i need to dig around for my pictures of the place…..

My trip to Mt.Capulin Volcano.