Capulin Volcano National Monument
Protected park · NM, USA
Capulin Volcano National Monument in NM, USA. Operated by National Park Service.
Usual hours
- Mon–Sun 8:30–16:00
About
Entrance / day-use fee applies.
Free admission.
This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.
Official facts
Public access: Open access.
Protected area: 791 acres (320 ha).
Designation: National Monument. Listed as "Capulin Volcano National Monument" in the Protected Areas Database of the United States. Protection: managed for biodiversity, natural processes allowed (GAP 1). IUCN category III.
Established: 1987.
Managed by: NPS.
At the park
- Caves & caverns
- Wildlife & bird watching
- Hiking trails
- Nature & walking trails
Shows and experiences
- Junior Ranger program
Before you go
- Limits
- Yes, service dogs are legally permitted anywhere in a park that visitors can go
- Limits
- Larger vehicles over 26 feet and any trailer are not allowed on Volcano Road
- 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 & when to go
- 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.
- Park alert: 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.
- ⚠ 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!
- ⚠ 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.
- Visitor center
- Capulin Volcano National Monument
- Visitor center
- Capulin Volcano Picnic Area
- Visitor center
- Capulin Volcano Visitor Center
- Visitor center
- Capulin Volcano Visitor Center
- Visitor center
- Crater Vent at Capulin Volcano
- Visitor center
- Night Sky Viewing Area at Capulin Volcano
- Visitor center
- Top of Capulin Volcano
- Visitor center
- Volcano Road Parking
Facilities on the park map
2 bench, 1 changing table, 1 defibrillator, 1 first aid kit, 4 picnic area, 9 restroom, 8 visitor information, 2 water fountain.
History
- Opened
- 1916
- Heritage status
- Listed heritage / protected status
- Park opened