Capulin Volcano National Monument
NM

Capulin Volcano National Monument

Hours

Open daily · 8:30AM - 4:00PM

Entrance Fee

$20.00

Entrance - Private Vehicle

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Capulin Volcano at a glance

Best time
March–May, October–November
Trip length
1–2 days
Don't miss
Drive to the Top of Capulin Volcano
Nearby city
Gateway towns in NM

Explore this park

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!

3 current NPS alerts

  • Caution: Bicycles and Pedestrians now allowed on Volcano Road
  • Park Closure: Volcano Top Access Closed to Vehicles over 26 feet long and to all Trailers
  • Information: Credit/Debit Card Only to pay entrance fees

Source: National Park Service (as of Oct 31, 2026). Official Capulin Volcano National Monument page on nps.gov

Weather Information

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

  • Summer

    usually have mild temperatures with highs averaging in the low to mid 80s F/30C with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.

  • Winter

    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.

Entrance Fees

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

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 - 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.

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.

Operating Hours

Volcano Road Volcano Top Vehicle Access

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.

  • 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

Capulin Volcano National Monument Trails

Capulin Volcano National Monument trails are open from sunrise to sunset with the exception of the night sky viewing area (visitor center overflow parking lot) which is open throughout the night. Vehicle access to the Volcano Road and the Visitor Center have separate hours. Please see their individual hours.

  • MondaySunrise to Sunset
  • TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
  • WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
  • ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
  • FridaySunrise to Sunset
  • SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
  • SundaySunrise to Sunset

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.

Common questions

Planning Capulin Volcano National Monument

The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.

Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Capulin Volcano. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.