National Monument

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Capulin Volcano National Monument is a National Monument in New Mexico. The NPS currently lists 3 active alerts (1 closure), 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center; entrance fees start at $10.

New Mexico National Monument America the Beautiful pass accepted

Updated · NPS Data API

A cloud shrouded volcano rises behind a field of yellow flowers.
Capulin Volcano · Photo: NPS photo/ R. Richman (via nps.gov)

About the park

“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.”

Active alerts

3

Closures

1

Campgrounds

0

Visitor centers

1

Current alerts and closures

3 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 1 closure, 0 danger, 1 caution and 1 information.

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.

Posted or updated Nov 17, 2025 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

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!

Posted or updated Jul 23, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

Information

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.

Posted or updated Nov 12, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

Entrance fees
FeeCostDetails
Entrance - Private Vehicle$20Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Capulin Volcano National Monument.
Entrance - Motorcycle$15Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person$10Admits one person arriving on foot or bicycle, or by commercial operator to Capulin Volcano National Monument.
Entrance - 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.
Entrance - 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…
Commercial Entrance - Sedan$25Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Van$40Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus$40Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$100Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers.
Park passes
PassCostBuy
Annual Entrance - Park$35At the park

The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online.

Things to do

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 enjoy the views from the parking area or hike trails down into the crater of the volcano or around the rim of the crater.

30-120 Minutes Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed

Scenic Driving

See all 5 things to do in Capulin Volcano →

Activities the NPS lists for Capulin Volcano.

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

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.

Volcano Road Volcano Top Vehicle Access
DayHours
Monday8:30AM - 4:00PM
Tuesday8:30AM - 4:00PM
Wednesday8:30AM - 4:00PM
Thursday8:30AM - 4:00PM
Friday8:30AM - 4:00PM
Saturday8:30AM - 4:00PM
Sunday8:30AM - 4:00PM

Weather: Elevations range from 7247 feet at the park visitor center to 8182 feet on the crater rim trail.

Contact and directions

Phone
5752782201
Email
[email protected]
Address
46 Volcano Highway, Capulin, NM 88414
Coordinates
36.7817, -103.9710· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Capulin Volcano Visitor CenterDaily: 8:30AM - 4:30PM(575) 278-2201Yes

Campgrounds

No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.

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Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/cavo/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.