Capulin Volcano National Monument: This month's National Park Getaway

By Matt Tillson, Park Ranger, Capulin Volcano National Monument, New Mexico

Capulin Volcano
(Photo: en.wikipedia.org)

Rising above a dramatic landscape in northeastern New Mexico is Capulin Volcano—a unique place of mountains, plains, and sky. Born of fire and forces continually reshaping the earth’s surface, Capulin Volcano National Monument provides access to nature’s most awe-inspiring work.

An easy three-hour drive from Santa Fe, New Mexico; Amarillo, Texas; or Colorado Springs, Colorado; visitors will discover one of the nation’s best examples of a volcanic cinder cone and excellent views of the surrounding area. The monument hosts a variety of engaging activities and projects throughout the summer months.

Travel the two-mile paved Volcano Rim Road to enjoy picturesque views from the highest peak overlooking the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, check out the view of the Rocky Mountains from the rim or descend into the crater vent, take flight with the hummingbird monitoring project, stop in at the visitor center to enjoy the exhibits and park video and explore the park store.

Capulin Volcano is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, park hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and visitors can drive to the top until 10 minutes before closing time. After Labor Day, the park operates from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guests arriving after hours are welcome to walk or bike the Volcano Rim Road or hike the scenic Lava Flow and Boca trails with the chance of catching a glimpse of some of area wildlife like mule deer, pronghorn, or gray fox.

Read more here. 

See Carlsbad Caverns this month by lantern light

Carlsbad Caverns National Park will offer unparalleled opportunities to experience the wonders of Carlsbad Cavern and its colorful history in the form of special lantern-lit guided tours December 17 and 18. Park staff in uniform and in costume will conduct a tour of the Big Room of Carlsbad Cavern much as it was done during the 1930s and 40s, including the blackout and historic Rock of Ages ceremony. Early explorer Dr. Frank Ernest Nicholson and early cave guide Carol Miller will be recalled from the past to lead the tour.

Reservations and tickets are required. Fees are $8 for adults; $4 for children 4-15; children under age 4 are not allowed. On December 17 and 18 only, the tours will start promptly at 5:30 p.m. and last until 7 p.m. Tour size is limited to 60 people. Call 575-785-3152 or stop by the Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center to make your reservation.

The park is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

For more information about hours of operations and tour options, call 575-785-2232 or visit www.nps.gov/cave.

Will Congress add New Mexico site to Park Service oversight?

It's more than just another hole in the ground. Not only is it the third largest volcanic crater in the US, this "natural wonder" that lies 50 miles north and west of Santa Fe is a natural magnet for wildlife and folks looking for a hike through a largely unchanged landscape. Valles Caldera is part of the National Preserve that bears its name.

In 2000, the feds bought the caldera and the surrounding cattle ranch, turning the old Baca Ranch into a National Preserve. The aim was to turn the operation into a self-sustaining operation, with the cattle acting as a "cash cow," making enough of a profit to carry the costs. A great plan that's fizzling.

Under the original plan, if the self-sustaining part of the plan failed, then in 2015 the 89,000 acre property would transfer to US Forest Service management. Now a proposed bill before the Senate would cut out the Forest Service and hand over the Preserve to the National Park Service. Advocates, including members of the trust who currently manage Valles Caldera, say the NPS could do a better job. A study suggests with NPS management, there would be greater economic benefits, more protection of the natural resources, and give better recreational opportunities.

That could be a big plus. Today, recreation in the Preserve is chiefly the domain of hikers and trail bikers--non-motorized. Still there are plenty of wonders for those fleet of foot or wheel: The Jemenez River is full of fish, sports a 50' waterfall, and provides plenty of opportunities for rock climbers. Tired out from those pursuits? Soak yourself in a natural hot springs.

At this point, there is no place for camping in the Preserve. Whether the Park Service would change that is something the future would decide, should Congress decide to put Valles Caldera in the NPS portfolio. If you follow legislation, Senate Bill 564 is the decider.

photos: Valles Caldera National Preserve and Los Alamos National Laboratory

Carlsbad Caverns opens after heavy snowfall

Carlsbad Caverns National Park reopened Wednesday after heavy snowfall shut down the popular New Mexico tourist stop a day earlier.

Carlsbad Caverns' chief of interpretation and education, Marie Marek, said about 80 people were waiting to get into the park when it opened Wednesday morning, compared with the dozen or fewer people typically waiting when the park opens.

However, New Mexico hasn't seen the last of winter weather this week. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the northwest quarter of the state through Thursday morning. The advisory includes Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Farmington, Gallup, Grants, Taos, Los Alamos and Las Vegas. Forecasters say up to three inches of snow is possible at lower elevations.