Reading a Park Map

Front cover of the Park map

NPS Photo

Whether you call it a brochure, a trifold, or a unigrid, national park site maps are recognizable. They all have the black banner across the top proudly declaring which site you are visiting.

At the Capulin Volcano Visitor Center, during operating hours, you can obtain all the information and maps you may need for your visit. Learn more openings and closures for the Park, including the Capulin Volcano Visitor Center.

 

The Mountain Tells Its Story

NPS Photo

In this article we are going to cover the Capulin Volcano National Monument map.

What are these iconic maps used for? Are they used to show roads and trails, are they a souvenir, or is it something used to plan future trips? The Park map is used for all these things and more. Besides serving as a map for the Park, the Capulin Volcano map provides contact information, general Park information, safety concerns and a small map of the surrounding area.

When you open the map all the way, there are colored photos of the side and summit of Capulin Volcano. On side of the map are the inlets with photos of each of the following: ladybugs swarming a branch of a tree, supercooled fog deposits, Chokecherry, and Mule deer.

Beneath these photos are five paragraphs of the story, history, plant and wildlife of Capulin Volcano. At the bottom of the front page is a picture of wildflowers in front of the volcano. To the side of this picture, is the section for planning your visit. Here you can read about the Visitor Center, Park activities, accessibility, services and camping, and Park regulations. In case of emergencies, call 911. Learn more about what to do in an emergency at Capulin Volcano.

 

Walk On A Volcano

NPS Photo

On the other side of the brochure is information about the trails in the Park. At the top, you can find an aerial photo of the volcano. The five hiking trails are listed next to the photo with basic information for each. Below this is a map showing Park boundaries, NM 325, volcano road, hiking trails, Visitor Center, dark sky viewing area, picnic area, summit parking, restrooms, overlooks, information, and key.

There is also a map showing the lava flows from Capulin Volcano as well as a few paragraphs explaining the volcano’s eruption sequence. At the bottom of the page is how you can get to the Park. This section will give you driving directions in the northeastern corner of New Mexico and southeastern corner of Colorado. Underneath getting to the Park, you can find the Park’s address, email address, and phone number.

To recap, having a map in your backpack is highly encouraged when visiting Capulin Volcano National Monument. Cell phone service can be unreliable throughout the Park and in this corner of New Mexico. Most of the Park receives little to no cell service. This map can help you have a better and safer experience at the Park.

At Capulin Volcano, there are several things to see and to do. Be prepared. Plan ahead. Be safe. Experience the beautiful scenery and landscape Capulin Volcano has to offer. Learn more about hiking preparedness at Capuin Volcano.