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Although Capulin Mountain is considered no longer active, because its excellent condition, the cinder cone is considered one of the best and most accessible examples of a cinder cone in North America.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

Plan a Visit

NPS DesignationNational Monument
Park State / Territory MembershipNew Mexico
Current Alerts3
Visitor Centers1
Campgrounds0
Things To Do5

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

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…

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: New Mexico. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

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.

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

Activities

AstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingFront-Country HikingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingMuseum Exhibits

Current Alerts

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!

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.

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.

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

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed Address46 Volcano Highway, Capulin, NM, 88414

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 AgricultureRanchesAnimalsBirdsElkVolcanoes

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

Nearby Cities for Trip Planning

These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.

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