NPS Photo Visitors that come to Capulin Volcano during the summer usually have questions about the Park; Are there snakes? Are there ladybugs on the volcano today? Is there a wait to drive up? Are there thunderstorms in the area? Due to limited parking at the Rim Parking Lot, visitors may be put on a waitlist when they check in at the Visitor Center. The wait time is usually 15-40 minutes but it can be longer if it is a busy day in the Park. Make sure to keep your cell phone with you as that is the main source of contact for notifications about the waitlist. While you wait to drive up the volcano, feel free to explore the area around the Visitor Center. Inside the Visitor Center, there is a museum corner with telescopes, volcano touch tables, videos about local ranching history, Capulin Volcano, Santa Fe Trail, and a Park film; outside the Visitor Center enjoy a stroll on our Nature Trail or take in a scheduled ranger program. There will be a lot of false chinch bugs, bees, flies, and other insects; they generally do not bite but they are a nuisance. Before hiking, it is recommended that visitors apply sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. There is no water on top so, fill your water bottles before leaving the Visitor Center. Bring water with you and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes on the trails; sandals, flip-flops, crocs, etc. are not recommended for hiking the trails at Capulin Volcano. 
NPS Photo The forming of ladybug swarms, known as a loveliness, during the summer is a big draw for some visitors. However, Capulin Volcano cannot guarantee when they will arrive or how many will come to the volcano. When they arrive at Capulin Volcano, the ladybugs can be found gathering at the highest point of the volcano; they can usually be seen clustering at the base of the pinyon and juniper trees. If they are not there, visitors may want to check underneath the leaves of some of the smaller plants where there is more shade. Numbers vary year to year based on temperature and rain fall. Learn more about insects at Capulin Volcano. There are currently 15 species of reptiles in the Park including, but not limited to, to Bull snakes and Western Prairie Rattlesnakes. While hiking on the trails, keep an eye out as snakes and lizards may be on or beside the trail; it is not unusual to find these reptiles sunning themselves on the trails or the road. If you do see a snake, do not approach them, attempt to pick them up, or try to relocate them another way; most people get bitten when the animal feels threatened when approached, touched, or picked up. Let a park ranger know and they will make a decision on what action, if any, needs to be taken. Learn more about reptiles and amphibians at Capulin Volcano. 
NPS Photo During the summer, day-time temperatures are typically 80 to 90 degrees, with nighttime temperatures 40s to 50s. Wearing long pants, short sleeves, and a hat is a good option during the day; if prone to sunburn or cancer a light weight long sleeved shirt, like a hiking or fishing shirt, is recommended during the day. Once the sunsets, temperatures can drop quickly; layers that can be added and removed as needed are recommended. Always have water with you; it is easy to become dehydrated when at higher elevations. There is no water located on the volcanic rim; fill up before leaving the Visitor Center. Look through our packing list at Capulin Volcano. Year-round and especially in the summer, thunderstorms can develop over the volcano without warning. Lightning strikes on Capulin Volcano is a regular occurrence during thunderstorms. If you hear thunder or see lightning, please return to your vehicle or the Visitor Center until the storm passes. Park staff at the Visitor Center do monitor the weather throughout the day. If lightning is detected within 15 miles of the volcano, a ranger will make an announcement to visitors at the Volcano Rim Parking Lot and the trails at the top; once staff leave the volcano rim, they will not return until lightning has been out of the area for 30 minutes. Visitors do not have to evacuate the top of the volcano but it is highly recommended; the Park is not responsible for your decisions. Learn more about weather at Capulin Volcano. 
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Last updated: February 19, 2024