Capulin Volcano National Monument

PARK OVERVIEW

Capulin Volcano National Monument in Capulin, New Mexico, protects an 800-acre section of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, an area in northeastern New Mexico that features over 100 cinder cones, domes, and other volcanic formations. Capulin Volcano first gained attention in 1890 when the General Land Office received a letter describing it as one of the “most perfect specimens of extinct volcanoes in North America,” a quote attributed to Yale professor James D. Dana, who was regarded as the country’s leading authority on volcanoes at the time. It was subsequently withdrawn from lands available for settlement or use on January 16, 1891, and it was established as a national monument by President Woodrow Wilson on August 9, 1916.

Capulin Volcano rises to an elevation of 8,182 feet above sea level, making it one of the tallest in the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field and easy to identify from miles away. The crater itself is about 400 feet deep. Geologists estimate that Capulin last erupted around 55,000 years ago—give or take a few thousand—making it fairly young when considering the 9-million-year history of volcanic activity that shaped the surrounding area.

Summit of Capulin Volcano, Capulin Volcano National Monument

Begin your visit to Capulin Volcano National Monument by stopping at the Visitor Center to pick up a park brochure and trail map. There is also a small exhibit area and a short park film. Afterwards, head outside to explore the park on one of the five hiking trails. The Nature Trail and Lava Flow Trail both begin at the Visitor Center. To access the other trails, follow the two-mile park road—known as Volcano Road—to the top of the volcano for the Crater Rim and Crater Vent trails. The Boca Trail is located halfway up the road at the picnic area.

Volcano Road leads to the top of Capulin Volcano, Capulin Volcano National Monument

OPERATING HOURS

Capulin Volcano National Monument is open year-round from dawn to dusk. The Visitor Center is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, except when closed for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

For those who want to visit the trails at the top of Capulin Volcano, Volcano Road is open to vehicles from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. Hikers and bikers can access the road after hours.

Keep in mind that times can always change, so be sure to check the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for the latest schedule. Also, the park will close when severe weather affects road conditions or if the state highway leading to Capulin Volcano shuts down. Road closures are posted on the National Park Service’s official Alerts and Conditions web page.

FEES

There is a fee to enter Capulin Volcano National Monument. Passes can be purchased at the Visitor Center with credit and debit cards only—no cash is accepted. Both Capulin Volcano and National Park annual passes cover entry fees. For the latest prices, visit the National Park Service’s official Fees web page.

SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

Visitor Center
Allow 45 minutes (including short Nature Trail)

Hiking Trails
Allow 1 to 4 hours

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