Bicycling Information

Bicycling in the area around Capulin Volcano National Monument is challenging and not recommended. The highways are narrow with little to no shoulder, and can be hazardous due to fast moving traffic and open range cattle on the road.

Bicycling is not allowed in the Monument on Volcano Road during business hours of the Visitor Center when it is open to motor vehicles.

Bicycling is allowed on Volcano Road after Volcano Road closes to motor vehicles. 5:30pm summer and 4:30pm winter. Please use caution during use as there are sharp turns, drop offs and rocks. Also, yield to walkers and others heading up the Volcano Road.

The Visitor Center and Volcano Road are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. On these days, visitors are welcome to drive in, park at the visitor center parking lot, and hike up volcano road to the summit of Capulin Volcano. Park hours are from Dawn to Dusk.

The road to the top of the volcano is 2 miles up with a relatively steep incline. Be prepared for a 4 mile round trip hike, and bring plenty of water and snacks. In the winter, be aware of snow and ice on the road and hiking trails. Ice can accumulate on roadways and hiking trail surfaces at any time. Shady areas that don't recieve a lot of sun can have patches of ice throughout the day. Check the local forecast before taking a trip to the park.

 

1886 couple on old fashioned quadracycle

Wikimedia

I wonder if they would make it?

 

Bicycles on Volcano Road Federal Law and Superintendents Compendium.

Federal Law: 36 CFR 4.30(f) Closures and other use restrictions. A superintendent may limit or restrict or impose conditions on bicycle use or may close any park road, parking area, administrative road, trail, or portion thereof to bicycle use, or terminate such condition, closure, limit or restriction after: (1) Taking into consideration public health and safety, natural and cultural resource protection, and other management activities and objectives; and (2) Notifying the public through one or more methods listed in § 1.7(a) of this chapter.

Superintendents Compendium: 36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES AND E-BIKES(a) Bicycles and e-bikes are allowed on Volcano Hwy from the park entrance to the visitor center during daylight hours. Bicycles and e-bikes are allowed on Volcano Hwy from the visitor center to the Volcano top during daylight hours after the vehicle gate is locked. Currently, the bicycle or e-bike will need to be lifted over the locked vehicle gate. The use of bicycles and e-bikes on hiking trails or in non-paved areas of the Park is prohibited.Notes:The term “e-bike” means a two or three-wheeled cycle weighing from 38-70 lbs. with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).E-bikes are allowed in Capulin Volcano National Monument where traditional bicycles are allowed and prohibited where traditional bicycles are not allowed (see (a) above).A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR Part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Capulin Volcano National Monument is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.“Class 1 e-bike” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.“Class 2 e-bike” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.“Class 3 e-bike” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.See notes in section 1.5 of the Compendium for additional information.

Complete park regulations and Superintendents Compendium