National Monument

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Southwest

About Capulin Volcano

Part of the 8,000 square mile Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, Capulin Volcano showcases the volcanic geology of northeastern New Mexico. 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!

From the National Park Service.

Region: Southwest
State: New Mexico
Designation: National Monument
Entrance fee: $20, private vehicle

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Capulin Volcano.

Entrance fees

$20 Private Vehicle 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 ann…
$15 Motorcycle
$10 Per Person
$10 Non-commercial Groups
Free Education/Academic Groups

Passes

$35 Annual Entrance - Park

Hours

Volcano Road Volcano Top Vehicle Access

Mon: 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Tue: 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Wed: 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Thu: 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Fri: 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Sat: 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Sun: 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.

Weather and when to go

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 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. No public transportation systems serve the park.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 46 Volcano Highway, Capulin, NM 88414
Phone: (575) 278-2201
Email: cavo_interpretation@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/cavo

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Capulin Volcano

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Capulin Volcano

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

View the Night Sky at Capulin Volcano

Stargazing · about 1 hour

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 even…
Drive to the Top of Capulin Volcano

Scenic Driving · about 1 hour

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 vol…
Explore the Visitor Center at Capulin Volcano

Museum Exhibits · about 15 min

Learn more about volcanoes and Capulin's eruption by exploring the exhibits in the visitor center.
Hike Trails at the Base of Capulin Volcano

Hiking · about 1.1 hours

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.