capulin-volcano | NM | Find park

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

Capulin Volcano in summer.

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.

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.

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.

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Although Capulin Mountain is considered no longer active, because its excellent condition, the cinder cone is considered one of the best and most accessible examples of a cinder cone in North America.

Physical Address:

46 volcano Highway

Capulin, NM 88414

Mailing Address:

46 Volcano Highway

Capulin, NM 88414

contact-details

Phone Number: 5752782201 Voice
Phone Number: 5752782211 Fax

Email Address: cavo_interpretation@nps.gov
Description: General mailbox of the Capulin Volcano National Monument Interpretation and Visitor Services staff.

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance - 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.

Entrance - Motorcycle: $15.00

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.

Entrance - Per Person: $10.00

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

Entrance - 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.

Entrance - Education/Academic Groups: $0.00

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: $25.00

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: $40.00

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: $40.00

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: $100.00

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

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park: $35.00

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.

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!

park designation:National Monument

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Volcano Road Volcano Top Vehicle Access Fall/Winter

In the fall/winter, from Labor Day to Memorial Day, 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.

Exceptions:

Holiday Closures (November 27, 2025 - November 27, 2025)

Holiday Closures (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

Holiday Closures (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

Volcano Road Volcano Top Vehicle Access Summer

In the summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Volcano Road Vehicle Access is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the rest of the year it is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pedestrians and Bicycles are allowed on volcano road after 5:30 in summer, 4:30 in winter.

Capulin Volcano National Monument Trails

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.

Exceptions:

Thanksgiving Day (November 27, 2025 - November 27, 2025)

Christmas Day (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

New Year's Day (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

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.