NPS Photo Before doing any hiking or driving in the park, check in with a park ranger. The check in desk is located in the Visitor Center; you can bring in your America the Beautiful pass with ID, purchase an American the Beautiful pass, or purchase a 7-day pass for Capulin Volcano. Cards only, no cash. Check out our frequently asked questions about cashless fee operations.
It is recommended to always have a first aid kit close at hand in case of emergency. Learn more about safety at Capulin Volcano.
If there is an emergency, having a whistle in your bag can save your voice from yelling and make it easier for emergency responders to hear you.
Another tip for emergency situations is to pack a flashlight or headlamp so if it is dark outside, emergency responders can see you. During winter, it gets dark early; be sure to have a flashlight or headlamp with you.
Always have enough water for you and your party, typically 2 to 3 liters per person per day. Staying hydrated will help you have a better and more enjoyable experience at the Park. Because Capulin is at high elevation, more water is needed to stay hydrated, especially if visitors are from lower elevations; make sure you drink plenty of water.
Along with water, make sure to take some snacks with you; hiking can burn more calories than some realize. There are two designate picnic areas. Picnic tables can be found at the Visitor Center and in the Picnic Area about 1/4 mile up the road from the Visitor Center. Whatever you pack in, please remember to pack it out. If you see any wildlife in the Park, observe them from a distance and do not feed them; help us keep our wildlife wild. Thank you for doing your part to keep Capulin Volcano National Monument clean.
Eating and drinking does create waste; make sure to pack out any trash you bring in. If you see trash in the park, please pick it up with a trash bag and throw it away. Trash left on the ground, such as food wrappers, fast food bags, etc., can be harmful to the environment. Please help us keep our plant and animal life safe. As well as being helpful with keeping the park clean, trash bags can serve as a poncho if visitors don't have rain gear with them. Cut a hole for the head and arms to create a makeshift rain coat/poncho.
Pack a hat and glasses to shade your head, neck and eyes for any season of the year. Not only does the hat keep you cool, but most importantly it protects you from the harsh rays of the sun. The Visitor Center is at 7,242 feet and the highest point is at 8,182 feet. Because of the high elevation, there is a high UV index. Even in winter, it is possible to receive a sunburn as the sun's rays bounce off of the snow and ice. Always have a hat and sunglasses with you.
As well as a hat and sunglasses, make sure there is sunscreen available. Because of the high UV index and sun exposure around the Park, sunscreen is recommended all times of year. Be sure to apply it before hiking and every couple of hours while hiking.
Weather in Northeastern New Mexico can change quickly. Have a jacket within reach year-round when visiting. During winter, bring layers as well as a jacket to help combat the winter weather and colder temperatures. Be sure to check the weather a few days before visiting and pack accordingly. Packing for the weather can be the difference between a wonderful experience and a miserable time.
The last important item to pack is a multi-purpose tool. This can be used to create a trash bag poncho, to help remove stuck trash, or even remove the tag from a hat.
Be sure to have these essential items with you whether visiting Capulin Volcano or another location. Learn more about hiking preparedness at Capulin Volcano.
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Last updated: February 19, 2024