A cloud shrouded volcano rises behind a field of yellow flowers. Photo: NPS photo/ R. Richman

Capulin Volcano National Monument

National Monument · New Mexico

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
  • Weather now70°F Sunny
  • Alerts 3 active alerts

Overview

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!

Topics
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Elk
  • Farming and Agriculture
  • Ranches
  • Volcanoes
View of cinder cone volcano and the road leading to the top of the volcano as seen from the air.
Capulin Volcano is a classic example of a cinder cone. The crater is approximately 130 m (420 ft) deep and 440 m (1,450 ft) across. The base of the mountain is 6 km (4 mi) in circumference. Volcano Road spirals up the volcano, providing panoramic views. — NPS photo

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!

More on NPS.gov about Bicycles and Pedestrians now allowed on Volcano Road (opens in a new tab)
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.

More on NPS.gov about Credit/Debit Card Only to pay entrance fees (opens in a new tab)

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.

Showing 5 of 5

Facilities & Services

Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Visitor Centers

  • Capulin Volcano Visitor Center In Snow

    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)
  • 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.

    Monday8:30AM - 4:00PM
    Tuesday8:30AM - 4:00PM
    Wednesday8:30AM - 4:00PM
    Thursday8:30AM - 4:00PM
    Friday8:30AM - 4:00PM
    Saturday8:30AM - 4:00PM
    Sunday8:30AM - 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.

    MondaySunrise to Sunset
    TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
    WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
    ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
    FridaySunrise to Sunset
    SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
    SundaySunrise to Sunset

Entrance fees

  • $20Private Vehicle
  • $15Motorcycle
  • $10Per Person
All 9 fees & details
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Per Person$10

    Admits one person arriving on foot or bicycle, or by commercial operator to Capulin Volcano National Monument.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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 Highway
Capulin, NM 88414

Weather & conditions

70°F
Sunny · feels like 54°
  • Today 71° 53°
    Sunny
    2% rain
  • Tomorrow 70° 50°
    Sunny
    1% rain
  • Wednesday 65° 42°
    Sunny
    2% 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.

Photos

Getting There

46 Volcano Highway
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

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