The views are spectacular day or night, with views of 4 different states from the volcanic rim and one of the darkest night skies in the country. Whether it's a quick stop or a day's trip, enjoy exploring the landscape of this unique volcano!
Photo: NPS photo/ R. Richman
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Part of the 8,000 square mile Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, Capulin Volcano showcases the volcanic geology of northeastern New Mexico.
- LocationCapulin, NM
- Entrance $20 private vehicle
- HoursDaily, 8:30AM - 4:00PM
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Weather now70°F Sunny
- Alerts 3 active alerts
Overview
- Animals
- Birds
- Elk
- Farming and Agriculture
- Ranches
- Volcanoes
Alerts (3)
Park ClosureVolcano Top Access Closed to Vehicles over 26 feet long and to all Trailers The Volcano top access is closed to all RVs, buses, attached pull trailers, or any other vehicle over 26 feet in length… Read more
The Volcano top access is closed to all RVs, buses, attached pull trailers, or any other vehicle over 26 feet in length due to public safety concerns and limited parking. Trailer drop-off and RV/bus parking are available at the visitor center.
CautionBicycles and Pedestrians now allowed on Volcano Road Capulin Volcano Highway is now a roadway shared by multiple users that include vehicles, hikers, bikers, walkers and run… Read more
Capulin Volcano Highway is now a roadway shared by multiple users that include vehicles, hikers, bikers, walkers and runners. Dogs on a minimum 6-foot leash are also allowed on the roadway. Be watchful of others that are present on the highway. Follow the new traffic flow signs and keep vehicle and bicycle speeds at the posted speed limits of 20 mph in general and 10 mph in the S curves. Let’s all stay safe!
InformationCredit/Debit Card Only to pay entrance fees Capulin Volcano only accepts credit/debit cards for entrance fees. Our cooperating association Park Store accepts cash,… Read more
Capulin Volcano only accepts credit/debit cards for entrance fees. Our cooperating association Park Store accepts cash, credit/debit cards, and checks. There are limited cash only entrance passes available through our cooperating association Park Store.
Things to Do
5 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Become a Junior Ranger at Capulin Volcano
Learn about volcanoes, geology, and the history of Capulin Volcano while completing the Junior Ranger Program! Once you've finished the number of activities required for your age, turn the booklet in…
Learn more about Become a Junior Ranger at Capulin Volcano on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Drive to the Top of Capulin Volcano
Fee applies
Drive to the top of an extinct cinder cone volcano on a historic road. Once at the top you can enjoy the views from the parking area or hike trails down into the crater of the volcano or around the…
Learn more about Drive to the Top of Capulin Volcano on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Explore the Visitor Center at Capulin Volcano
Learn more about volcanoes and Capulin's eruption by exploring the exhibits in the visitor center.
Learn more about Explore the Visitor Center at Capulin Volcano on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike Trails at the Base of Capulin Volcano
The trails at the base of Capulin Volcano are less traveled and quieter than the ones on the top and offer a different view of the volcanic geology here.
Learn more about Hike Trails at the Base of Capulin Volcano on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
View the Night Sky at Capulin Volcano
View the night sky at a volcano! Capulin Volcano National Monument is a International Dark Sky Place, which means thousands of stars are visible in the night sky. On Saturday evenings during the…
Learn more about View the Night Sky at Capulin Volcano on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 5 of 5
Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Watching
- Stargazing
- Astronomy
- Biking
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
- Front-Country Hiking
- Road Biking
- Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Show 1 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
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Capulin Volcano Visitor Center
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is at the base of Capulin Volcano and includes a fee and information station, exhibits, theater for the park film, restrooms, and a park bookstore…
Details
The Visitor Center is at the base of Capulin Volcano and includes a fee and information station, exhibits, theater for the park film, restrooms, and a park bookstore. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 8:30AM - 4:00PM · Volcano Road Volcano Top Vehicle Access
Hours by area (2)
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Volcano Road Volcano Top Vehicle AccessDaily, 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Volcano Road Vehicle Access is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pedestrians and Bicycles are allowed on volcano road after 4:30.
Monday 8:30AM - 4:00PM Tuesday 8:30AM - 4:00PM Wednesday 8:30AM - 4:00PM Thursday 8:30AM - 4:00PM Friday 8:30AM - 4:00PM Saturday 8:30AM - 4:00PM Sunday 8:30AM - 4:00PM -
Capulin Volcano National Monument TrailsDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
Capulin Volcano National Monument trails are open from sunrise to sunset with the exception of the night sky viewing area (visitor center overflow parking lot) which is open throughout the night. Vehicle access to the Volcano Road and the Visitor Center have separate hours. Please see their individual hours.
Monday Sunrise to Sunset Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset Thursday Sunrise to Sunset Friday Sunrise to Sunset Saturday Sunrise to Sunset Sunday Sunrise to Sunset
Entrance fees
- $20Private Vehicle
- $15Motorcycle
- $10Per Person
All 9 fees & details
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Private Vehicle$20
Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Capulin Volcano National Monument. The maximum size of a vehicle allowed on the Volcano Road is 26 feet in length and/or 8 feet in width. Passes may be upgraded to annual passes within 7 days of purchase.
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Motorcycle$15
Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Capulin Volcano accepts the America the Beautiful - Federal Lands Passes (Interagency Annual, Senior, and Access passes) in place of an entrance fee. Passes may be upgraded to annual passes within 7 days of purchase.
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Per Person$10
Admits one person arriving on foot or bicycle, or by commercial operator to Capulin Volcano National Monument.
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Non-commercial Groups$10
$10 per person for organized groups such as Scouts, Rotary, Clubs, Youth Groups, Churches, Reunions, etc. that do not qualify for an Academic Fee Waiver. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. The maximum size of a vehicle allowed on the Volcano Road without a permit is 26 feet in length and/or 8 feet in width.
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Education/Academic GroupsFree
Educational waivers will be provided in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations Title 36: if the request is from "organized tours or outings conducted for educational or scientific purposes related to the resources of the area visited by bona fide institutions established for these purposes.
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Commercial Entrance - Sedan$25
Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles.
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Commercial Entrance - Van$40
Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles
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Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus$40
Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles
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Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$100
Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles
Passes
- $35Annual Entrance - Park
Pass details
- Annual Entrance - Park
The Capulin Volcano Annual Pass has a cost of $35.00 and is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. Admits one private vehicle and all occupants to Capulin Volcano National Monument. This pass can be purchased at the visitor center. Non-transferable and non-refundable.
Address
46 Volcano HighwayCapulin, NM 88414
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
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Today
71° 53°
Sunny2% rain -
Tomorrow
70° 50°
Sunny1% rain -
Wednesday
65° 42°
Sunny2% rain
Updated 9 min ago
What to expect by season
Elevations range from 7247 feet at the park visitor center to 8182 feet on the crater rim trail. Summers usually have mild temperatures with highs averaging in the low to mid 80s F/30C with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Winters average from 40F/5C to 50F/10C, but temperatures vary. Snowfall is most common from December into April and may cause temporary closures of the volcano road. Sunny winter days are beautiful days to be in the park. Check weather conditions before visiting.
Getting There
Capulin, NM 88414
Capulin Volcano National Monument is located in northeast New Mexico. The monument is located 33 miles east of Raton, NM, and 57 miles west of Clayton, NM on NM325 3 miles north of US64.
Full directions
No public transportation systems serve the park.
Mailing address: 46 Volcano Highway, Capulin, NM 88414