Capulin Volcano National Monument
In A Nutshell
Directions
CarInterstate 25 is the major north/south route through the state. The monument is located 33 miles east of Interstate 25 at Raton, NM, via US Highway 64/87. The park entrance is on New Mexico Highway 325, 3 miles north of the town of Capulin which is at the junction of NM Hwy 325 and US Hwy 64/87.
From the east, the monument is 58 miles west of Clayton, NM, also via US Hwy64/87.
Plane
Major airlines operate in Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Amarillo. Albuquerque and Denver are approximately 270 miles from the monument. Colorado Springs and Amarillo are about 190 miles.
Public Transportation
There is no commercial transportation available to the park.
Operating Hours & Seasons
The Monument open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's day. Winter hours are from Labor Day to Memorial Day: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Summer hours are from Memorial Day through Labor Day: 7:30 am - 6:30 pm.
The Volcano Road is closed to vehicles after park hours.
July is the busiest month at the park, with about 15,000 visitors. The majority of visitors arrive between 10 am and 4 pm which sometimes causes delays of 15 - 30 minutes to tour the volcano. Plan to visit other than in July if possible or early or late in the day.
The park is open all winter, weather permitting. The park will close if the state highway to the area is closed. The volcano road will close at the discretion of park staff. Current road status is available by calling 505-278-2201 x302.
Fees & Reservations
ENTRANCE FEES
Per private vehicle:
$5.00 - receipt valid for 7 Days
Contact the park for information about fees for groups and busses.
Capulin Volcano accepts federal passports, including all Interagency Passes, Golden Age, and Golden Access for fees.
Capulin Volcano also offers an annual pass for the monument.
$10 - Pass Valid for entrance at Capulin Volcano National Monument. Valid for 12 months beginning with issue month.
Educational Groups
Educational groups may apply for a waiver of park fees by writing the Superintendent prior to park visit. Fee waivers cannot be approved at the time the group arrives at the park.
Accessibility
The Visitor Center, Nature Trail, and crater rim overlooks are accessible for visitors with physical disabilities. The picnic area has accessible restrooms and picnic tables.Weather
Elevations in the park range from approximately 7,000 feet to 8,182 feet on the crater rim.Summers are mild (highs in the mid-80s). Thunderstorms are common in July and August. Light jackets may be needed during the summer.
Winters are cold, and blizzards may result in temporary park closures. Warm and layered clothing should be worn the rest of the year. Current volcano road conditions may be found at 505-278-2201 x302.
Park Staff & Offices
Address
Capulin Volcano National Monument
PO Box 40
Capulin, NM 88414
Shipping Address
46 Volcano Rd.
Capulin, NM 88414
Phone
Visitor Information
(505) 278-2201
Fax
505-278-2211
Traffic & Travel Tips
Highway Construction
Hwy. 64/87 from Clayton to Raton, NM is under construction. Sections of the road are reduced to 45 MPH speed limit and tickets are written for violations. Allow extra travel time to get to Capulin Volcano NM.
Vehicle Limits
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 rim.
Contact Information
Address
Capulin Volcano National Monument
PO Box 40
Capulin, NM 88414
Shipping Address
46 Volcano Rd.
Capulin, NM 88414
Phone
Visitor Information
(505) 278-2201
Fax
505-278-2211
Capulin Volcano In Depth
News from the Parks
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November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
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November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
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November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
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November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
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November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
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November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
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November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
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Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
