San Juan Volcanic Field
San Juan Volcanic Field is a remnant of late Pleistocene to Holocene rhyolite domes, maars, and basalt cinder cones scattered across northwest New Mexico.
Learn More
Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Western United States |
| Subregion | Colorado Plateau |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | Rio Arriba County |
| District | San Juan Basin |
| City | Bloomfield |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 36.9 |
| Longitude | -107.7 |
| Maps |
9:38 PM LOCAL TIMEThe San Juan Volcanic Field stretches across nearly 1,600 square kilometers of northwest New Mexico, producing a diverse array of volcanic landforms from ~<span style='font-weight:bold'>30,000 to 500 years ago</span> during the late Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. Travelers come to see prominent rhyolite domes around Chipeta Mountain and Salmon Ruin, Maars like Condrey Lake which host geothermal lakes, and older basalt cinder cones such as Ojo Caliente that rise stark against the high desert landscape. The region is characterized by high desert altitude (about 2,800–3,500 meters), relatively low relief, and discrete walk-in access points. Main activities include geological viewing, scenic drives, and moderate elevation hikes. Though less developed than nearby national parks, the San Juan Volcanic Field offers profound geologic insight, isolated volcanic cones, and access to archaeological sites along the Rio Grande rift within a half-day of Albuquerque and Durango.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:55 AM