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Capulin Volcano National Monument

Designation: National Monument

Location: New Mexico

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

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!

🌤 Weather Information

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.

🚗 Directions

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.

Images

A cloud shrouded volcano rises behind a field of yellow flowers.

Capulin Volcano in summer.

Credit: NPS photo/ R. Richman

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.

Credit: NPS photo

A shaded bench on the side of a paved nature trail wending through juniper trees and grasses.

A paved nature trail at Capulin Volcano NM.

Credit: NPS photo/ A. Buccanero

Layers of rock are visible in the steep hillside along a road.

Layers of volcanic material can be seen in the Volcano Road that takes visitors to the top of Capulin Volcano.

Credit: NPS Photo/A. Buccanero

View of a cinder cone volcano covered with grasses, small trees, and other plants.

Although Capulin Mountain is considered no longer active, because its excellent condition, the cinder cone is considered one of the best and most accessible examples of a cinder cone in North America.

Credit: USGS

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
8:30AM - 4:00PM
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

Entrance Fees

Entrance - 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 annual passes within 7 days of purchase.
$20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Admits one private motorcycle and all occupants to Capulin Volcano National Monument. 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.
$15.00
Entrance - Per Person
Admits one person arriving on foot or bicycle, or by commercial operator to Capulin Volcano National Monument.
$10.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$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.
$10.00
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
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.
$0.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
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.
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
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
$40.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
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
$40.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
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
$100.00

Entrance Passes

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.
$35.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Thursday, Jan 15

Sunny

Sunny

High: 53.1°F | Low: 27.1°F

Humidity: 70%

Wind: 9.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.6

Sunrise: 07:07 AM

Sunset: 05:04 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (13%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 30.8°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Jan 16

Sunny

Sunny

High: 38.1°F | Low: 21.4°F

Humidity: 74%

Wind: 14.5 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.5

Sunrise: 07:07 AM

Sunset: 05:05 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (8%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 23°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Saturday, Jan 17

Cloudy

Cloudy

High: 26.1°F | Low: 18.5°F

Humidity: 60%

Wind: 13.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.5

Sunrise: 07:06 AM

Sunset: 05:06 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (3%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 14.4°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Volcano Road Closure August 20th Park Closure
Volcano Road will be closed due to construction August 20th. The Visitor Center, Park Film, Museum, Boca and Lava Flow trails, and Bookstore will all be open.
Credit/Debit Card Only to pay entrance fees Information
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 Info

Credit/Debit Card Only to pay entrance fees Information
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 Info

Volcano Rim and Vent trail close at 3:30pm Information
Due to the Volcano top area closing to vehicles at 4:15pm there is not enough time to finish a top hike after 3:30pm. The volcano top must be clear of ALL vehicles by 4:15pm daily.
Volcano Rim and Vent trail close at 3:30pm Information
Due to the Volcano top area closing to vehicles at 4:15pm there is not enough time to finish a top hike after 3:30pm. The volcano top must be clear of ALL vehicles by 4:15pm daily.
Federal Holiday Closure:  Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day Park Closure
For the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day federal holidays, Capulin Volcano National Monument Visitor Center and vehicle access to the Volcano top will be closed.  The top access will be open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic; and all trails will be open for hiking.
Summer road work in area and monument Caution
Chipseal work has begun on NM325 which may delay access to Capulin through mid-July. Volcano Road chipseal begins September 15th. Watch for fresh tar and loose gravel as well as construction vehicles and workers.
Summer road work in area and monument Caution
Chipseal work has begun on NM325 which may delay access to Capulin through mid-July. Volcano Road chipseal begins September 15th. Watch for fresh tar and loose gravel as well as construction vehicles and workers.
Volcano Road Closed to RVs and Buses over 26 feet, and to all Trailers. Park Closure
The Volcano top road is not accessible to RVs, buses, attached trailers, or any other vehicle over 26 feet in length, due to the narrowness and weight limits of Volcano Road. Trailer drop off and RV/bus parking is available at the Visitor Center.
Volcano Top Access Closed to Vehicles over 26 feet long and to all Trailers Park Closure
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.

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
46 Volcano Highway
Capulin, NM 88414

🏤 Mailing Address:
46 Volcano Highway
Capulin, NM 88414

📞 Voice Phone: 5752782201

📞 Fax Phone: 5752782211

✉️ Email: cavo_interpretation@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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