News Release

Volcano Road Closed Until Further Notice

National Park Service inspects road damage on Volcano Road

NPS Photo

News Release Date: August 21, 2019

Contact: Geoff Goins, 575-278-2201 x230

Heavy rains the week of August 4th, and especially the afternoon of August 8th, contributed to the failure of a section of retaining wall along Volcano Road, the only access to the top of Capulin Volcano. Overall a half mile of road was covered with debris and has some extent of retaining wall damage due to water flowing over the downhill edge of the road. 


NPS engineers and officials have inspected the road and are making plans for a temporary fix with limited one lane access through the affected section of roadway. Access could be allowed within weeks. A more permanent repair could take months to complete.


Volcano Road is closed to all traffic at this time including vehicle, bicycle, and foot traffic due to the unsafe conditions. Please respect the closure for your safety.

All other areas of Capulin Volcano National Monument are open to visitors including the Visitor Center, Picnic area, and the Lava, Boca, and Nature trails. Rangers are leading guided hikes Friday through Monday at 10am, and giving special porch programs in the afternoons. Entrance fees are waived until the road is again opened to traffic.

For the latest information please visit our website at www.nps.gov/cavo or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CapulinVolcanoNPS/