W5N/SG-009 Capulin Volcano

After our big day on Wheeler we needed an easy day, and Capulin Volcano was the perfect peak. This peak is an extinct volcano in the northeast part of the state, where the mountains give way to the plains. We had a long but very scenic drive over.

View from the parking lot.

We stopped at the visitors center at the bottom to pay the entrance fee. The ranger said they'd text us when we could drive up, since the lot on top is so small. After waiting a few minutes, we got the message and drove up.

The caldera of the volcano.

There is a paved trail that goes around the rim. We went clockwise, to get to the summit quickly. There were a few benches on the high point, and Joe and I each claimed one. We set up and got on the air. There were so many flies. It was very unpleasant whenever the breeze stopped blowing.

Joe doing his best to keep his KX2 out of direct sunlight.

We didn't linger because of the flies. We completed the walk around the rim, then took the trail to the bottom of the caldera to check it out. Back at the car Allison found a restaurant she wanted for her birthday meal, and we stopped on the way home.

Joe made a video of the hike as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vPLx2vNqIk

Trailhead: Top of the road.
Website: SOTA Site.
Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.
Route: Take the trail. Clockwise will get you to the high point faster.
Red Tape: None.

Sunset from the house that evening.