Volcanoes in New Mexico are fascinating! In fact, volcanoes are part of what makes our landscape so special. Did you know that New Mexico is also called “The Land of Volcanoes”? Not only do we have a lot of volcanoes, but we also have almost every type of volcanic landform. Many of our volcanic features also play a part in Native culture and are considered sacred. To see some of the most significant volcanoes in New Mexico as well as volcanic features across the state, check out our Volcano Road Trip. From Albuquerque volcanos to the famous Capulin Volcano, this list has it all.

This road trip will take you to 10 stops with a bonus 11th stop at the end if you so choose. Use our interactive map as your guide.

New Mexicans are lucky. If we don't live next to a volcano, we can take a short drive and see one. They are quite the spectacular natural wonders in New Mexico.
Google Maps
Since volcanoes cover most of the state, plan on a few days to cover all 1300+ miles. The trip takes you to real volcanoes and some of the great landscapes created by these powerful and magnificent forces of nature. See the map details and directions.
In addition to volcanoes, the state has examples of every major type of volcanic land feature which are beautifully preserved by our desert climate.
Jeremy Taylor/Flickr
New Mexico doesn't have any active volcanoes. Some are extinct and some are dormant, just waiting to explode again. The explosions won't happen any time soon, though. Scientists estimate that there is only a 10 percent chance that an eruption could occur in New Mexico in the next 1,000 years. (Shown: Albuquerque Basin Volcanic Field).
1. Petroglyph National Monument (Albuquerque)
Petroglyph National Monument, Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, USA
DIOGENES L/TripAdvisor
The Albuquerque volcanoes, Vulcan, and her two smaller sisters are inactive. When they erupted, (more than 150,000 years ago), their lava flow created much of the west mesa and the basalt rocks that the Native Americans, Mexican and Spanish settlers carved symbols into 400 to 700 years ago. Petroglyph National Monument is one of the most remarkable natural wonders in New Mexico.

2. Mount Taylor (Grants)
Mount Taylor, Mt Taylor, New Mexico 87020, USA
Charles e xavier /Wikipedia Commons
Mount Taylor is the second youngest volcano in New Mexico. It is an example of a stratovolcano. These tall, cone-shaped volcanoes are made up of layers of lava and other volcanic material from multiple eruptions. Between eruptions, the lava hardens so material from new eruptions (often coming from different centers) gets deposited on top of the old. It's one of the most fascinating of the New Mexico volcanoes and you can learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website.
3. El Malpais National Monument (Grants)
El Malpais, New Mexico 87020, USA
J. N. Stuart/Flickr
Whether you want to hike across an actual lava flow or investigate a lava tube system, El Malpais (also known as the Zuni-Bandera Volcanic Field) is sure to leave its mark on your memory. Resulting from millions of years of volcanic activity, five different lava flows are layered here. The McCartys flow is one of the youngest. Because of its youth, you can find some of the most pristine lava formations on earth right here. You can hike past the lava flows along the Lava Falls Trail here.
4. Zuni Salt Lake (Catron County)
Zuñi Salt Lake, New Mexico 87829, USA
Google Maps
Zuni Salt Lake is an example of a volcanic maar. These low craters get formed when hot magma comes in contact with groundwater. The Zunis and other Pueblo People consider this lake home to the Salt Woman deity. For centuries, these people have made pilgrimages here to gather salt for ceremonial and cultural purposes. Access to this lake is unclear but we included it because of its volcanic significance. In the photo, you can see the maar next to the small volcano.

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5. Shiprock (Shiprock)
Shiprock Pit, Shiprock, NM 87420, USA
Cathy/Flickr
This unusual rock formation gets its name because it seems to rise out of the surrounding landscape like a ship on the ocean. In geological terms, it was once a volcanic plug, serving as the stopper for a volcano vent. Along with its massive height, Shiprock is known for its distinctive dikes, or fence-like sheets of lava that emanate from the structure. Shiprock is one of the most incredible natural wonders in New Mexico.

6. Cabezon Peak (near the ghost town of Cabezon)
Cabezon Peak, New Mexico 87053, USA
Peter Spotts/Used by permission
Cabezon Peak is a volcanic plug, or volcanic neck. The aptly named "Big Head" is one of the more than 50 volcanic necks in the Mount Taylor volcanic field. Located in the Rio Puerco Valley, Cabezon Peak reaches 7,785 feet and offers dramatic views of the surrounding areas including the Sandia Mountains, the Rio Grande Valley, the Jemez Mountains, and the Sangre de Cristos. Visit the Buearu of Land Management website to learn more.
7. Valles Caldera National Preserve (Jemez Springs)
Valles Caldera, New Mexico 87025, USA
Jim Legans, Jr/Flickr
Though small for a supervolcano, some consider Valle Caldera the poster child for its class. It is one of six supervolcanoes on dry land, and one of the three in the U.S. Even driving along its rim, you can glimpse a bit of what the Valle Caldera has to offer – green meadows that become snow-covered in winter and meandering streams. While volcanic action left an upward landform at Shiprock, here a volcano left a 13-mile wide bowl, or caldera. Valle Caldera is one of the best volcanoes in New Mexico.
8. Capulin Volcano National Monument (Capulin)
Capulin Volcano National Monument, New Mexico 88418, USA
Kimberly S /TripAdvisor
At Capulin Volcano National Monument, you can drive right up the side of this extinct cinder cone volcano, one of the most intriguing volcanoes in New Mexico. At the top, find hiking trails around the rim and down into the mouth of the volcano. There is a lava flow hike at the base too.

9. Valley of Fires State Recreation Area (Carrizozo)
Malpais-Valley of Fires, Carrizozo, NM 88301, USA
BLM New Mexico/Flickr
This is one of those middle-of-nowhere places but it's a worthwhile spot to see some of the state's coolest lava flow formations and the determined flora and fauna that thrive among the rocks. Valleys of Fire is in the Carrizozo Malpais, one of New Mexico's other badlands. The lava here came from Little Black Peak, located just northwest of Carrizozo. Come to Valley of Fires State Recreation Area to see these New Mexico lava fields for yourself.
10. West Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Study Area (south of Las Cruces)
West Potrillo Mountains, New Mexico 88021, USA
Bob Wick: BLM/Flickr
These mountains are a series of 48 volcanic cinder cones with small sand dunes, playas, and lava fields in-between. Within the lava field area, there are three well-known maars - Hunt's Hole, Kilbourne Hole, and Potrillo. These craters are so otherworldly that NASA astronauts even trained for moon missions here. This is the best place to see volcanoes in New Mexico.
BONUS: Jornada del Muerto Volcano (Socorro County)
Jornada del Muerto Volcano, New Mexico 87832, USA
Cory Boehne/Wikimedia Commons
Jornada del Muerto, or Dead Man's Trail, is named after the arduous section of the Camino Real that passed near this lava flow, just east of White Sands. The volcano here is a shield volcano – a volcano with a low, shield-shaped profile. This shape forms because the lava from these volcanoes is especially liquid, thus the lava flows farther. Up close, the lava field is an expansive complex of lava tubes, some of which serve as bat habitats. Visit the Bureau of Land Management for more information.

It doesn’t take much to see a few volcanoes in New Mexico. We’re sure you’ve seen a few. Were you surprised that some of these landscape features were formed by volcanoes? Which are your favorites and why?

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More to Explore

Volcanoes In New Mexico

Melissa M. | July 07, 2022

How many volcanoes are there in New Mexico?

There are approximately 13 volcanoes in the state of New Mexico. These include both extinct and dormant volcanoes. 

What is the tallest mountain in New Mexico?

At 13,161 feet, Wheeler Peak is the tallest point in the state. Located in the Taos Mountains, Wheeler Peak provides some of the most spectacular views in the state. If you are able to hike to the summit, it is absolutely worthwhile as you can take in panoramic views of the Rio Grande Gorge and surrounding mountains. 

What are some other natural wonders in New Mexico?

Some of New Mexico's natural wonders include:

  • Shiprock
  • Organ Mountains
  • Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
  • Tent Rocks

 

While the volcanoes found in and around New Mexico are natural wonders, there are plenty of other jaw-dropping landforms you need to see for yourself. Shiprock is among the most famous natural landmark in the state. Standing alone amongst the flat landscape, it looks like a mirage from a distance. The rugged Organ Mountains rise out of the landscape, their forms reminiscent of organ pipes. It’s truly a spectacular sight to see! What are some of your favorite natural wonders in New Mexico?

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