• Capulin Volcano National Monument by J. Unruh

    Capulin Volcano

    National Monument New Mexico

Outdoor Activities

Picnic Area

NPS E. UPCHURCH

Opportunities to explore Capulin Volcano from top to bottom are available for all ages and abilities. The Volcano Road provides vehicle access to the top, winding around the volcano with spectacular views in all directions, as well as into the crater. Hiking trails vary from the paved Crater Rim Trail at the top, to unimproved trails winding around Capulin's base.

Hiking or bicycling the Volcano Road is only permitted in the morning before the gate opens to vehicles, and in the evenings after gate closing. This is due to the narrow and winding nature of the road.

Did You Know?

Color photograph by David Umbach of lizard peeking over edge of rock.

Lizards and other reptiles need to warm up in the sun. Visitors to Capulin Volcano often see lizards scurry into rock crevices when startled.