When is it busy?

Capulin Volcano is relatively uncrowded and quiet October through March. Visitation is lowest in January and February. Visitation is highest from April through September. July is the busiest month at the park, with approximately 15,000 visitors. Summer weekends tend to be busier than mid-week and heavy visitation can necessitate traffic control which may result in delays in visiting the volcano rim.

Park Hours

The park is open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. NPS staff are present from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Vehicles may travel to the volcano rim only during staffed hours.  Visitors may access the road to the rim until 4:20 p.m.  After hours, visitors are welcome to hike or bike the road to the top.

The park is open all winter, weather permitting. The park will close if the state highway to the area is closed. The volcano road can close at the discretion of park staff. Current road status is available by calling (575) 278-2201 x 302.