Alert: Dark Sky Festival Cancelled September 6 and 7

National Monument

Capulin Volcano

A cloud shrouded volcano rises behind a field of yellow flowers.
Capulin Volcano in summer. NPS photo/ R. Richman

Overview

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!

State: NM5752782201

Hours

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

Fees & Passes

  • 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 one private motorcycle and all occupants to Capulin Volcano National Monument. 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


Map

Things To Do

Category

5 Results
    Milky Way Stars over Capulin Volcano at night

    View the Night Sky at Capulin Volcano

    Free

    Description

    View the night sky at a volcano! Capulin Volcano National Monument is a International Dark Sky Place, which means thousands of stars are visible in the night sky. On Saturday evenings during the summer, rangers conduct dark sky programs here.

    More info
    Pet FriendlyAges:0-99Time:30-120 Minutes
    View of a Solidified Lava Lake with Prairie Grass and Sunflowers on the Boca Trail

    Hike Trails at the Base of Capulin Volcano

    Free

    Description

    The trails at the base of Capulin Volcano are less traveled and quieter than the ones on the top and offer a different view of the volcanic geology here.

    More info
    Ages:0-99Time:10-180 Minutes
    View of the Rim Trail to the left and the prairie and other volcanoes in the distance from the top

    Drive to the Top of Capulin Volcano

    $

    Description

    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.

    More info

    Fees

    Pet FriendlyAges:0-99Time:30-120 Minutes
    Exhibits in the Visitor Center with a large volcanic bomb on the left and touch table on the right

    Explore the Visitor Center at Capulin Volcano

    Free

    Description

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

    More info
    Ages:0-99Time:5-30 Minutes
    2 Junior Ranger Books and the Junior Ranger patch and 2 different badge

    Become a Junior Ranger at Capulin Volcano

    Free

    Description

    Learn about volcanoes, geology, and the history of Capulin Volcano while completing the Junior Ranger Program! Once you've finished the number of activities required for your age, turn the booklet in at the visitor center to earn a Junior Ranger badge or patch.

    More info
    Ages:3-99Time:20-45 Minutes

More Images

A cloud shrouded volcano rises behind a field of yellow flowers.
A cloud shrouded volcano rises behind a field of yellow flowers.
View of cinder cone volcano and the road leading to the top of the volcano as seen from the air.
View of cinder cone volcano and the road leading to the top of the volcano as seen from the air.
A shaded bench on the side of a paved nature trail wending through juniper trees and grasses.
A shaded bench on the side of a paved nature trail wending through juniper trees and grasses.
Layers of rock are visible in the steep hillside along a road.
Layers of rock are visible in the steep hillside along a road.
View of a cinder cone volcano covered with grasses, small trees, and other plants.
View of a cinder cone volcano covered with grasses, small trees, and other plants.