The Capulin Volcano National Monument is part of the 8,000 square mile Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field. The volcano became active about 62,000 years ago and last erupted some 56,000 years ago. It is part of a volcanic field with many other small volcanic cones in the area. It is an excellent example of a true volcanic cone.
Driving up to its caldera is quite a geologic experience. It is one of the tallest and most perfectly formed cinder cones in North America.
The volcano stands 8,182ft. above sea level and nearly 1,300ft. above the surrounding plain. It lies near the center of the 8,000mi. long Raton-Clayton volcanic field. The Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field is located along the Jemez lineament, a southwest-to-northeast alignment of young volcanic centers across northern New Mexico. The Jemez Lineament consists of the San Carlos volcanic field, Springerville volcanic field, Red Hill volcanic field, Zuni-Bandera volcanic field, Mount Taylor volcanic field, Jemez volcanic field and possibly the Ocate volcanic field, Raton-Clayton volcanic field, and Mesa de Maya.
