Capulin Volcano National Monument

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Although Capulin Mountain is considered no longer active, because its excellent condition, the cinder cone is considered one of the best and most accessible examples of a cinder cone in North America.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

About Capulin Volcano National Monument

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!

Quick Facts

State New Mexico
Designation National Monument
State Code NM
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…

Location & Map

Capulin Volcano National Monument is located in New Mexico.

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 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.

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

Operating Hours

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.

Wednesday 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Monday 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Thursday 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Sunday 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Tuesday 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Friday 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Saturday 8:30AM - 4:00PM

Activities

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

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 46 Volcano Highway, Capulin, NM, 88414
Phone 5752782201

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.

Topics & Themes

Farming and Agriculture Ranches Animals Birds Elk Volcanoes

Things To Do

View the Night Sky at Capulin Volcano

View the Night Sky at Capulin Volcano

View the night sky at a volcano! Capulin Volcano National Monument is a International Dark Sky Place, which means thousands…

Hike Trails at the Base of Capulin Volcano

Hike Trails at the Base of Capulin Volcano

The trails at the base of Capulin Volcano are less traveled and quieter than the ones on the top and…

The Nature Trail is an easy, short tenth of a mile paved accessible loop trail that circles two volcanic squeeze-ups…

Drive to the Top of Capulin Volcano

Drive to the Top of Capulin Volcano

Drive to the top of an extinct cinder cone volcano on a historic road. Once at the top you can…

Volcano Road is a two mile paved drive that winds around Capulin Volcano to it's summit. Because of it's tight…

Explore the Visitor Center at Capulin Volcano

Explore the Visitor Center at Capulin Volcano

Learn more about volcanoes and Capulin's eruption by exploring the exhibits in the visitor center.

Explore exhibits that describe the eruption of Capulin Volcano and this area's rich history. Touch different examples of volcanic rock…

Become a Junior Ranger at Capulin Volcano

Become a Junior Ranger at Capulin Volcano

Learn about volcanoes, geology, and the history of Capulin Volcano while completing the Junior Ranger Program! Once you've finished the…

Each Junior Ranger booklet has instructions on which activities to complete depending on your age. Once you've completed these activities,…

Visitor Centers

Capulin Volcano Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is at the base of Capulin Volcano and includes a fee and information station, exhibits, theater for the park film, restrooms, and…

Hours: The Visitor Center and Volcano Road is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The Monument is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

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