The Volcano top road is not accessible to RVs, buses, attached trailers, or any other vehicle over 26 feet in length, due to the narrowness and weight limits of Volcano Road. Trailer drop off and RV/bus parking is available at the Visitor Center.
Capulin Volcano National Monument is located in northeast New Mexico. The monument is located 33 miles east of Raton, NM, and 57 miles west of Clayton, NM on NM325 3 miles north of US64. No public transportation systems serve the park.
Hours for Volcano Top Vehicle Access: 8:30am to 4:00pm winter, 8:00am to 5:00pm Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Park Entrance - Volcano Road Volcano Top Vehicle Access Fall/Winter
Every Day:8:30 AM–4:00 PM
In the fall/winter, from Labor Day to Memorial Day, 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.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Holidays
2025–2026
New Year's Day
January 1, 2026
Closed
Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 2025
Closed
Christmas Day
December 25, 2025
Closed
Holiday
Date
Hours
Park Entrance - Volcano Road Volcano Top Vehicle Access Summer
Every Day:8:00 AM–5:00 PM
In the summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Volcano Road Vehicle Access is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the rest of the year it is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pedestrians and Bicycles are allowed on volcano road after 5:30 in summer, 4:30 in winter.
All Park Hours
Every Day:Sunrise–Sunset
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.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Holidays
2025–2026
New Year's Day
January 1, 2026
Closed
Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 2025
Closed
Christmas Day
December 25, 2025
Closed
Holiday
Date
Hours
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.
The Visitor Center is at the base of Capulin Volcano and includes a fee and information station, exhibits, theater for the park film, restrooms, and a park bookstore. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m most of the year, except in the summer months (Memorial Day to Labor Day) when it is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Every Day:8:30 AM–4:30 PM
The Visitor Center and Volcano Road is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily (except from Memorial Day to Labor Day, when it is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.). The Monument is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Summer Hours
May 26–September 1
Every Day:8:00 AM–5:30 PM
Memorial Day to Labor Day
Holidays
2025–2026
New Year's Day
January 1, 2026
Closed
Memorial Day
May 26, 2025
8:00 AM–5:30 PM
Juneteenth National Independence Day
June 19, 2025
8:00 AM–5:30 PM
Independence Day
July 4, 2025
8:00 AM–5:30 PM
Labor Day
September 1, 2025
8:00 AM–5:30 PM
Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 2025
Closed
Christmas Day
December 25, 2025
Closed
Holiday
Date
Hours
Public WiFi is not available.
Free Internet is available in the Visitor Center.
Depending on the carrier, cellular coverage is typically available at the base of the volcano. Spotty cellular coverage is available at the top of the volcano near the top of the crater rim trail.
Come see the world, or at least about 8,000 square miles of volcanic field, from the top of Capulin Volcano.
Lodging and Camping
Lodging and camping are not available within Capulin Volcano National Monument. Capulin, NM, 3 miles from the park, has an RV and tent campground with some cabins for rent. Raton and Clayton, NM, have numerous local and national chain motels. Commercial campgrounds and state parks are also available in the Raton and Clayton areas.
Oversized Vehicle Information Capulin Volcano's Compendium states that the maximum size of vehicle allowed on the Volcano Road is 26 feet in length and/or 8 feet in width. In order to accommodate large vehicles (motorhomes, buses, etc.) we must stop traffic. Learn more about large vehicle restrictions and our traffic control procedures.
Trailers and Towed Vehicles No trailers or towed vehicles are permitted on the Volcano Road. If you are towing a trailer it will have to be unhitched and left at the Visitor Center. If you are driving an RV towing a vehicle, you will have to unhitch and drive the smaller vehicle to the volcano rim. Semi-tractors with trailers should know that turns in the visitor center area are tight and narrow. If you wish to come to the park, we suggest you unhook the trailer on the gravel patch outside the park boundary fence.
Severe Weather
Weather in northeastern New Mexico can be unpredictable and change with little notice. Thunderstorms are common in April through September and can be quite severe. Severe weather ranging from lightning and rain to snow and ice may close the road and/or the trails at Capulin Volcano. Current road conditions are available by calling 575-278-2201.
Food
Food service is not available within the park boundaries. The park store has some select snacks and a water bottle refilling station. The closest restaurant is The Sierra Grande Restaurant in Des Moines, NM, which is open year round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other restaurants and fast food are available in Raton and Clayton.
The park's picnic area is open year round and has tables, restrooms, and trash containers. Restrooms are closed from mid-October to mid-May.
Pets Pets are prohibited in all buildings and on all trails other than the Nature Trail, which is a short 10 minute trail adjacent to the Visitor Center. In areas where pets are allowed, they must be on a leash and attended by an owner.
Leave No Trace
Our special places deserve special care. Learn how you can help us take care of Capulin Volcano National Monument by observing Leave No Trace principles.
