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Capulin Volcano National Monument

National Monument · New Mexico

A cloud shrouded volcano rises behind a field of yellow flowers.
Capulin Volcano in summer. Photo: NPS photo/ R. Richman

Hours

See this week's hours below.

Entrance fee
$20 · private vehicle
Phone
5752782201
Address
46 Volcano Highway, Capulin, NM 88414

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!

Hours

Volcano Road Volcano Top Vehicle Access

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.

Monday8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Wednesday8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Thursday8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Changes to these hours

  • Holiday Closures, Nov 26: Closed
  • Holiday Closures, Dec 25: Closed
  • Holiday Closures, Jan 1: Closed

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.

MondaySunrise to Sunset
TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
FridaySunrise to Sunset
SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
SundaySunrise to Sunset

Changes to these hours

  • Thanksgiving Day, Nov 26: Closed
  • Christmas Day, Dec 25: Closed
  • New Year's Day, Jan 1: Closed

Entrance fees

Private Vehicle$20Admits 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$15Admits 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$10Admits one person arriving on foot or bicycle, or by commercial operator to Capulin Volcano National Monument.
Non-commercial Groups$10$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.
Education/Academic GroupsFreeEducational 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 Sedan$25Pass 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 Van$40Pass 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 Mini-bus$40Pass 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 Motor Coach$100Pass 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

An America the Beautiful pass covers the entrance fee at every site that charges one.

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.

Weather

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.

Things to do

Astronomy, Biking, Birdwatching, Front-Country Hiking, Guided Tours, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits, Road Biking, Self-Guided Tours - Auto, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Stargazing, Wildlife Watching.

Source: National Park Service data feed, checked September 24, 2026. Hours shown are the Park Service's posted standard hours plus any date changes it lists. Official page for Capulin Volcano ↗