Capulin Volcano National Monument — Attraction in Branson

Capulin Volcano is a hidden gem for those seeking a serene escape into nature's embrace. My recent visit during the winter season left me enchanted by the tranquility and beauty of this natural wonder.

Despite being the off-season, the park was not busy, allowing for an intimate exploration of its breathtaking landscapes. The snow-covered trails painted a picture-perfect scene, transforming Capulin Volcano into a winter wonderland straight out of a storybook.

What truly made my visit memorable was the warm welcome and hospitality extended by the Park Ranger on duty.

Navigating the park's trails looked like a delight, but it was too icy to attempt the small hikes. From the rim of the volcano, I marveled at the vast expanse of the dormant crater below, a testament to the earth's raw power and beauty.

As I ventured deeper into the park, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of peace and wonder wash over me. The crisp winter air, the silence broken only by the occasional rustle of wildlife, created a sense of harmony with nature that is truly unparalleled.

My visit to Capulin Volcano was nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you're a nature enthusiast seeking solace in the great outdoors or simply looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of winter, Capulin Volcano offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe. A heartfelt thank you to the Park Ranger for their hospitality and dedication to preserving this natural treasure for future...

Great under visited National Park location. About 3 miles off the highway in Capulin so not far out of the way. If you are traversing through it is a must see side quest. Not really a camping location more of a stop and see. Rim trail took us with pictures maybe 40 minutes with 2 teenagers. Yes it is more tiring than you think-elevation at the top is around 8500ft and you climb around 700 feet in elevation from bottom of the rim to the top but a mom and her kids did it. In the summer being water and sunscreen.

We went the scenic route from Sante Fe to Amarillo/Dallas on purpose. Drove through Taos, Eagles Nest, and the Cimarron Canyon State Park. Took an extra 2 hours drive time vs I40 but well worth.

Views: 360 degrees of the plains. You can see the Raton mountains 30 miles away on a good day. The Crater is awesome the way it captures the lights.

Total time: with the hike, food, and drive off the highway and back maybe 1.5 to 2 hours. If you just drive and hike to the Crater and back cut it in half.

Cost: car was $20 (good for 7 days) or $0 with your national park pass. If you are driving through and returning within 7 days and didn't get to hike: do it on the return. Great views.

Atmospheres/Energy: It's an extinct volcano that is nearly perfect in shape. Definitely a cool and peaceful vibe.

Hiking: Bring water (fill up at visitor center), sunscreen, and have a...

WOW!

We had picked up a national park passport recently and have been visiting more places as my hubby has the military park pass.

On our way home from Texas to visit Grandpa Rabbit, after saying goodbye to Grandma Rabbit recently, we found this was right off the main route and hopped in.

We stopped at the visitor center first to peak around and stamp our passport. You can get both the Capulin Volcano Monument and Santa Fe trail stamps here.

The camelback bottles are great! Hubby got one at the colorado sand dunes 2 years ago and loves this bottle. I got a blue one this stop and a hummingbird from the stuffed wildlife display. There were stuffed rams bears hawks and so many more!

The ranger staff was so nice and informative.

We learned this was the 2nd most popular place for lighting strikes, and they warned a storm was coming soon if we wanted to go to the top.

We headed up. If u have a fear of heights, pinch those cheeks cause the view is breathtaking literally and figuratively! Once at the top, we were able to breathe a bit easier.

Take your time on the drive up and down. Be safe. There is no rush. Not even if u have a bumper snuggler so far up your bumper, they can taste your engine oil.

There is a trail around the top of the rim and another one down into the crater.

They say a photo is worth a 1000 words so I will stop rambling and...