Capulin Volcano National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: New Mexico
📘 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
Capulin Volcano in summer.
Credit: NPS photo/ R. Richman
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 paved nature trail at Capulin Volcano NM.
Credit: NPS photo/ A. Buccanero
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
Although Capulin Mountain is considered no longer active, because its excellent condition, the cinder cone is considered one of the best and most accessible examples of a cinder cone in North America.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
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
3-Day Weather Forecast
Friday, May 29
Patchy rain nearby
High: 72.5°F | Low: 57.6°F
Humidity: 45%
Wind: 23.7 mph
Rain Chance: 86%
UV Index: 10.4
Sunrise: 05:39 AM
Sunset: 08:07 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 53.3°F
Cloud Cover: 86%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, May 30
Sunny
High: 76.6°F | Low: 53.3°F
Humidity: 25%
Wind: 16.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 11
Sunrise: 05:39 AM
Sunset: 08:07 PM
Moon: Full Moon (100%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 49.5°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, May 31
Sunny
High: 77.9°F | Low: 53.8°F
Humidity: 23%
Wind: 17.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 12.1
Sunrise: 05:38 AM
Sunset: 08:08 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 51.1°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Dark Sky Night
Join us for an exceptional Dark Sky experience. Capulin was named a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association in 2016. Capulin Volcano holds Dark Sky viewing most Saturday nights during Summer months, and select nights Fall, Winter, and Spring. Giant telescopes are provided by us, and the dark northeastern New Mexico skies by nature. You will see planets, galaxies, nebula, and other amazing sights all with your own eyes.
Capulin Volcano is at a higher altitude of over 6,000 feet. Nights can get chilly even in summer. A jacket, long pants, and closed toe shoes are recommended to attend a Dark Sky program. No reservations are needed.
Date: May 9, 2026 12:00am to May 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Dark Sky Night
Join us for an exceptional Dark Sky experience. Capulin was named a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association in 2016. Capulin Volcano holds Dark Sky viewing most Saturday nights during Summer months, and select nights Fall, Winter, and Spring. Giant telescopes are provided by us, and the dark northeastern New Mexico skies by nature. You will see planets, galaxies, nebula, and other amazing sights all with your own eyes.
Capulin Volcano is at a higher altitude of over 6,000 feet. Nights can get chilly even in summer. A jacket, long pants, and closed toe shoes are recommended to attend a Dark Sky program. No reservations are needed.
Date: May 16, 2026 12:00am to May 16, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Moonlight Hike
Join a Ranger for a moonlight hike of the Volcano rim! Subjects include night time biology, lunar geography, astronomy, and the park after dark. Reservations required. Call 575-278-2201 for information on start times, availability, and reservations.
Date: May 23, 2026 12:00am to May 23, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Sunset hike
Join a Ranger for a Sunset hike of the Volcano rim! Subjects include geology, geography, astronomy, and the park after at twilight. Reservations required. Call 575-278-2201 for information on start times, availability, and reservations.
Date: Jun 6, 2026 12:00am to Jun 6, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Dark Sky Night
Join us for an exceptional Dark Sky experience. Capulin was named a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association in 2016. Capulin Volcano holds Dark Sky viewing most Saturday nights during Summer months, and select nights Fall, Winter, and Spring. Giant telescopes are provided by us, and the dark northeastern New Mexico skies by nature. You will see planets, galaxies, nebula, and other amazing sights all with your own eyes.
Capulin Volcano is at a higher altitude of over 6,000 feet. Nights can get chilly even in summer. A jacket, long pants, and closed toe shoes are recommended to attend a Dark Sky program. No reservations are needed.
Date: Jun 13, 2026 12:00am to Jun 13, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Dark Sky Night
Join us for an exceptional Dark Sky experience. Capulin was named a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association in 2016. Capulin Volcano holds Dark Sky viewing most Saturday nights during Summer months, and select nights Fall, Winter, and Spring. Giant telescopes are provided by us, and the dark northeastern New Mexico skies by nature. You will see planets, galaxies, nebula, and other amazing sights all with your own eyes.
Capulin Volcano is at a higher altitude of over 6,000 feet. Nights can get chilly even in summer. A jacket, long pants, and closed toe shoes are recommended to attend a Dark Sky program. No reservations are needed.
Date: Jun 20, 2026 12:00am to Jun 20, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Dark Sky Night
Join us for an exceptional Dark Sky experience. Capulin was named a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association in 2016. Capulin Volcano holds Dark Sky viewing most Saturday nights during Summer months, and select nights Fall, Winter, and Spring. Giant telescopes are provided by us, and the dark northeastern New Mexico skies by nature. You will see planets, galaxies, nebula, and other amazing sights all with your own eyes.
Capulin Volcano is at a higher altitude of over 6,000 feet. Nights can get chilly even in summer. A jacket, long pants, and closed toe shoes are recommended to attend a Dark Sky program. No reservations are needed.
Date: Jul 11, 2026 12:00am to Jul 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Dark Sky Night
Join us for an exceptional Dark Sky experience. Capulin was named a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association in 2016. Capulin Volcano holds Dark Sky viewing most Saturday nights during Summer months, and select nights Fall, Winter, and Spring. Giant telescopes are provided by us, and the dark northeastern New Mexico skies by nature. You will see planets, galaxies, nebula, and other amazing sights all with your own eyes.
Capulin Volcano is at a higher altitude of over 6,000 feet. Nights can get chilly even in summer. A jacket, long pants, and closed toe shoes are recommended to attend a Dark Sky program. No reservations are needed.
Date: Jul 18, 2026 12:00am to Jul 18, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Sunset hike
Join a Ranger for a Sunset hike of the Volcano rim! Subjects include geology, geography, astronomy, and the park after at twilight. Reservations required. Call 575-278-2201 for information on start times, availability, and reservations.
Date: Jul 25, 2026 12:00am to Jul 25, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Sunset hike
Join a Ranger for a Sunset hike of the Volcano rim! Subjects include geology, geography, astronomy, and the park after at twilight. Reservations required. Call 575-278-2201 for information on start times, availability, and reservations.
Date: Aug 1, 2026 12:00am to Aug 1, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
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