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A cloud shrouded volcano rises behind a field of yellow flowers.
NATIONAL MONUMENT

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.

Photo: NPS photo/ R. Richman / NPS

NM
state
13
things to do
$10
to enter
6
parks within a day
OVERVIEW

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!

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Driving times from Capulin Volcano National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

BEFORE YOU GO

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

Free

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

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Volcano Road Volcano Top Vehicle Access

Mon
8:30AM - 4:00PM
Tue
8:30AM - 4:00PM
Wed
8:30AM - 4:00PM
Thu
8:30AM - 4:00PM
Fri
8:30AM - 4:00PM
Sat
8:30AM - 4:00PM
Sun
8:30AM - 4:00PM

Capulin Volcano National Monument Trails

Mon
Sunrise to Sunset
Tue
Sunrise to Sunset
Wed
Sunrise to Sunset
Thu
Sunrise to Sunset
Fri
Sunrise to Sunset
Sat
Sunrise to Sunset
Sun
Sunrise to Sunset
THINGS TO DO

Activities

AstronomyBikingBirdwatchingFront-Country HikingGuided ToursHikingJunior Ranger ProgramMuseum ExhibitsRoad BikingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingStargazingWildlife Watching
PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter Capulin Volcano National Monument?
Entrance to Capulin Volcano National Monument starts at $10. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
What is there to do at Capulin Volcano National Monument?
Popular activities include Astronomy, Biking, Birdwatching, Front-Country Hiking, Guided Tours, Hiking.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Capulin Volcano National Monument?
Within about a day's drive you can reach Fort Union National Monument (2 h 13 min), Pecos National Historical Park (2 h 58 min), Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site (3 h 4 min), Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (3 h 38 min), Manhattan Project National Historical Park (3 h 47 min), Amache National Historic Site (3 h 56 min).