Capulin Volcano National Monument
National Monument · NM
Park Closure · Volcano 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 due to public safety concerns and limited parking. Trailer drop-off and RV/bus parking are available at the visitor center.
Caution · Bicycles 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 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 information1 noticefrom the National Park Service
Information · Credit/Debit Card Only to pay entrance fees
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 information
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!
- NPS site
- nps.gov/cavo
- Location
- Capulin Volcano National Monument (36.782, -103.971)
Track your visit to Capulin Volcano National Monument
NP Tracker keeps a record of every National Park Service unit you visit — all 430-plus of them. Log visits with dates and photos, collect passport stamps, plan trips, and watch your map fill in. It's free.
Passport stamp locations
- Capulin Volcano Visitor Center
Hours
Volcano Road Volcano Top Vehicle Accesstoday: 8:30AM - 4:00PM
- Sat Oct 38:30AM - 4:00PM
- Sun Oct 48:30AM - 4:00PM
- Mon Oct 58:30AM - 4:00PM
- Tue Oct 68:30AM - 4:00PM
- Wed Oct 78:30AM - 4:00PM
- Thu Oct 88:30AM - 4:00PM
- Fri Oct 98:30AM - 4:00PM
Upcoming closures: Nov 26 (Holiday Closures)
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.
Capulin Volcano National Monument Trailstoday: Sunrise to Sunset
- Sat Oct 3
Visitor centers
1
- Capulin Volcano Visitor Centertoday: 8:30AM - 4:30PMDirections
Self-guided tours
4
Boca Trail1–2 hours · 4 stops
Come take a hike along the Boca Trail, a 2 mile loop at the base of Capulin Volcano! Most of the lava that erupted from Capulin Volcano erupted from vents in the boca on the western side of the cinder cone. Lava features including levees, lava lakes, and collapsed lava tubes can be seen along this trail.
Crater Rim Trail30–75 minutes · 2 stops
Come take a hike around the rim of Capulin Volcano! With amazing views of the surrounding landscape, this 1 mile (1.6 kilometer) loop trail skirts the rim of the crater at the top of Capulin Volcano and takes you to the tallest point of the mountain at 8182 feet (2494 meters) elevation.
Crater Vent Trail10–30 minutes · 2 stops
Take a hike down to the vent that Capulin Volcano erupted from in the center of the crater! This short quarter mile trail descends 100 feet (around 30 meters) in elevation from the parking area at the top of the volcano down into the center of the crater.
Lava Flow Trail20–60 minutes · 3 stops
Come hike the Lava Flow Trail, a 1 mile loop at the base of Capulin Volcano! Passing over the third series of lava flows to erupt from Capulin Volcano, this trail offer great views of the volcanoes to the south and east of Capulin Volcano.
Entrance fees
6
- Private Vehicle — $20.00
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 — $15.00
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 — $10.00
Admits one person arriving on foot or bicycle, or by commercial operator to Capulin Volcano National Monument.
- Non-commercial Groups — $10.00
$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.