Capulin Volcano National Monument

One more night in Capulin, NM, waiting for better weather to visit Capulin Volcano National Monument.  Capulin Volcano (Spanish for Chokecherry) erupted 60,000 years ago and is now extinct. There are 5 walking trails in and around the volcano.  We drove up the park road and walked the rim trail and the vent trail.  The rim trail took us to the highest point -- 8182 feet above sea level.  The vent trail was a short 0.2 miles down to the bottom of the crater which was a lava plugged vent. From both trails we saw mule deer grazing.  It had snowed/iced the previous days and the trees were still covered in ice, although melting quickly in the 50+ degree sunshine.  The scenery and views were beautiful!