Reviews of Capulin Volcano National Monument (Park)

Michelle ohmmassagetherapy

I imagine this National Park is nice but I was so disappointing to drive 30 miles each direction out of my way just to find out that the volcano was closed because the road was washed out. It would have been nice had they posted a sign out on the main highway before I added an additional 60 miles onto an already long trip. If I'm in the area again I will definitely try and stop because it looksamazing from the pictures and from what other people have told me but again, severely disappointed to see that it was closed without any kind of notice prior to arriving at the park.

Jennifer Starks

It was absolutely terrifying going to the top but was well worth it when you get up there! So so beautiful! It's absolutely worth checking out and is only $20/car to go up. You can also walk the trail down to the crater or you can hike up around the rim of the volcano.

Jeff Habacker

Awesome, take the 1 mile hike around the rim. Well worth the time.

Paul Young

A great example of a volcano in New Mexico that you can easily hike to the floor of the crater or hike the rim. The views are spectacular and you don't have to worry about burning up!

Mike Rubesch

Well worth the wait for a chance to drive to the top (they regulate the number of vehicles because of limited parking). The views from the rim walk are wonderful, and the perspective from the floor of the crater should not be missed

Billy Coleman

From far back in history this volcano rises above the wide open spaces. Corkscrew road to the top with a sugar bowl shape inside the old calderia. The views go to the horizon. Don't miss it. For a short amount of time it's a rich reward.

Andy Kuchera

Fun if you like geology!

Sarah Nieman

Fun stop on our roadtrip, but be prepared to walk a lot with a steep grade!

Anthony Payne

Awesome experience. Would do it again. Did see the

Rube Blevins

Very cool experience loved the view kids thought it was awesome to stand inside a volcano

Karen Zimmerer

Spectacular views and nice hiking trails. Park Rangers very informative

Don Munkres

It's too bad the road is closed, but we did enjoy what we could see

Jeannette Velazquez

Way cool that there were once volcanos in New Mexico. Very informative and the views are fabulous.

Crystal Coffey

We did not get to drive up to the top because of damage to the road

Steve Wallace

Worth a short stop to stretch your legs and drive up a volcano. The view from the top is awe inspiring. Once you arrive at the top there are hiking trails, one down into the cone and another that winds around the rim.

Maria Smith

Great hiking place to enjoy the beautiful park.

Bo

Very interesting example of a well preserved volcano - good views from the rim hiking path

Delina Feist

Gorgeous scenery. Loved the hike to the top. We went during winter but plan to go back during the spring for more hiking and exploring.

Nicholas White

There is a good system in place to cover the upper rim parking lot being full, but why not accept cash for the park entry fee?

Veronica Montoya

Beautiful but not the best for wheelchair accessible exploration

eugenio acabeo

amazing park. great for kids that want to learn about the local geography

Joseph Bourgeois

Our anniversary was awsome with a great view

Monroe Kirk

Nice place to visit. I have been driving by this place for 20 years and finally stopped. Not too big and not too small. Short drive to the top with great views. You can also walk down to the center of the Volcano.

Kyle King

Lots of fun. Bring water !

James Watkin

Would have been better if there was no lighting

Natalie Cordova

Amazing But Scary driving up it.

Liam O'Rourke

Great family friendly hike, and so much cool Info!!!

Craig Miller

I always just passed by and never stopped. This time I did. The walk along the rim was invigorating. About a mile with 300 feet of elevation gain.

Shelby Criswell

It was really incredible to hike around the rim of this extinct volcano. This location has beautiful views and a nice little visitor's center as well.

Noemi Rios

Its a great place to stop and appreciate the natural scenery and landscape. Its well maintained and the entrance pass lasts a whole week so you can go back over and over again.

Denise Beckman

Beautiful views and wildlife spotted inside the volcano.

Claude Joseph

Road washed out so couldn't get to the top. Did a hike with Ranger Nick; great guy, knows his stuff! Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Nathan

It is a lot higher then it looks! The drive up and the hike were both a bit scary for me, but it was well worth it. Amazing views! Worth the stop and entrance fee. Well maintained roads, trails, and park. Friendly/helpful staff.

R.

It is a cool place like all parks managed by the NPS. Drive to the top and have exceptional views. Hike all three trails get some exercise and breath in the fresh air. Small park that only takes half a day to do. Bring a picnic lunch, there is a nice area to eat. Great place check it out.

Rachel Kitley

Great little park, a hidden gem. Well worth going out the way for. A bit pricey for the size of the park but I don't really complain, the NPS is the one branch of government I don't really mind giving my money to.

Jean Sexton

This is a site that I enjoy showing visitors from the East coast. Most have never seen a dormant volcano or the landscape that volcanoes create, so the drive in is impressive. The visitor center is informative and full of good souvenirs for all ages. Do be aware that the road up the volcano is old and twisty. I think I wouldn't want to try a long vehicle or a trailer on it. The views are spectacular as you go up and from the summit itself. Informative signs tell you what you are seeing. The trail around the caldera isn't handicapped accessible. In the fall and winter it may have hidden patches of ice, so keep that in mind if you hike it. My visitors enjoyed the scenery without adding in hiking the trail. We considered the small fee well worth the experience. Highly recommended and well worth the drive from Amarillo.

Richard Murphy

Great stop. Road to the top is narrow but fine as long as you go slow. The trails at the top offer spectacular views of the surrounding area with explanations placed at strategic points. I didn’t go on the lower trails but the upper trails are very well managed.

Laura Corral

Beautiful views. The hike was excellent even for my 4 year old.

Douglas Wiggins

Road up the volcano was closed, unfortunately. Always a great visit otherwise.

Laura Weaver

I really wanted to drive up to the monument but the government shutdown prevented it. It looked well kept anyway and would have been an incredible view. Be careful driving up as the cows were free range :)

Courtney Istre

You drive up the volcano but it was unfortunately closed due to the road being damaged. Hopefully its fixed soon because who doesn't want to drive up a volcano?

Molly Theobald

Very pretty view but the road was closed so we couldn’t go to the top. I would call before going if you are making the drive

John Peitsmeyer

We had a terrific time walking the rim of the volcano. The gift shop was nice the area was kept up well! Well worth the cost of admittance.

maggie rose

what a treat seeing this dormant volcano and the expansive surroundings that it sits in

Rachel DeArman

Super views on the drive up as well as the summit. Good crater view without walking too much. Small but green and worth the drive.

Jeff Bates

Nice historic site and make sure you walk down to the bottom of the crator.

Corby Cain

Beautiful drive. Pretty wildflowers!

Mike Nuncio

This place is a must if you pass through the area...however on this trip we were told it was closed off due to part of the road washing out. No known repair date know yet.

Seth Riley

Some of the park rangers are nice which is why I am not giving this National Park/Monument as horrible rating. However they close SUPER early for how far away they are from any other nearby cities. They “close” at 4:30, however they “close the gates” at 4:10. We get there right at 4:07 on the dot and they said that we couldn’t go up to the park. So many more people came in after us and were turned away as well. A lot more stuff happened that was quite unpleasant and it ruined our groups trip. Should be fixed as soon as possible (maybe stay open later than 4:30!!!)

Don Watson

Good example of a dormant volcano with easy access by automobile.

Donald Spaw

Quiet little national park but with breath taking views. Offers a short hike around the top or another into the basin where you can see the lave flows before it went extinct. The drive to the top is along a narrow road but that means there is more of this attraction left intact to enjoy.

Jeff Jones

Enjoyable, but storms washed out part of the road to the top. It's closed for 3-4 weeks for repair. The lava flow trail was nice, though, so not a total waste.

Alicia Zamora

Was a random stop for us on our way home from Colorado. I would not recommend walking the rim with young kids or the elderly. We have a 7 year old and 2 year old twins and the trail around the rim was brutal for us, and scary with the kids. But once your at the top, there are some amazing views.

WS R

Amazing views, even from the parking area! Just gets better as you walk around the volcano's edge. Definitely worth it!!!

Paula Cox

My kids absolutely love it. I’ll definitely go back and climb it again. This time... I’ll be more prepared.

David Stambaugh

Great stop on the way west on US 64.

Dawna Erion

Amazing views. A volcano you can walk down in to! The trip down is easy, the trip up you will want regular shoes on! A hiking stick will help too. Another trip for lots of water. The 360 view on the top is spectacular! The information center is full of information for the kids.

Alexander Korobkov

Beautiful views. Excellent place to take a rest during a long trip from Texas to Colorado

Timothy Gibson

Incredible walk into and around one of nature's forces. The views across the land are breathtaking

Lori Deming-Moore

We had never heard of the Capulin Volcano, but we were driving by on our vacation and we stopped. We had a great time, and a good hike around the rim. Definitely worth the stop!

Vanya Karouna

The view from the top is amazing! We hiked up to the top and sat in quiet, took in some deep breaths and just relaxed for a couple of minutes. We didn’t have time to absorb in everything as we needed to get back on the road. I will definitely be back to wonder around for a day!

Kay Leibel

A little bit of history right off the beaten path. You can not drive big RVs up to the crater's edge but parking is available by the Park Center, where you pay. Did not take too long for the visit but another stop in the Memory Book!

Sue R

This is a wonderful day trip. You can hike around the rim of the volcano where the views are spectacular. You can also hike into the volcano. There is a film and a nice visitor center before driving up to the volcano. The road up and walkways are nicely paved. Really enjoyed this stop.

Gina Jacquart

Super cool place to visit though a little pricey for the pass. Incredible scenery and interesting history. Neat little gift shop.

Clayton Coleman

If you're in a motorhome or pulling an RV, make sure you stop at the gravel area just outside the fence of the monument. It is BEFORE you make the turn into the monument (a right turn if heading north from US-87). You may leave your trailer or motorhome there temporarily. It was very easy to unhook and leave our rig there for the short trip up the volcano.

Dawn Goddard

Awesome...experience....wow

Brenda Taylor

Had a great time walking the trail around the volcano! Beautiful scenery! Loved it!

Chris Killgore

Got here at the end of the day, but still went up the volcano, pretty cool to see and a nice view all around. Very friendly staff.

awesomelego24 awesomelego24

Friendly staff and great views! My only complaint was there was a large amount of bugs near the top of the rim, but that's nature. The family of deer we saw made up for it.

Jessica Logsdon

We were on vacation heading to Colorado and happened upon this site. Amazing view, detailed information at the visitors center, a wonderful attraction!

Karen Starks

Driving up to the top of the volcano was very exciting. The elevation is over 7 thousand feet, it's awesome!

Brian Kleiner

Definitely worth a visit! Be sure to do both hikes down to the bottom of the crater and the one around the rim. The views are just incredible! This place clearly shows why New Mexico is known as the land of enchantment!

Andrew Young

Great place, but needs a guardrail up the volcano! Scary drive up!

Silja Tanner

You get to down into the depths of an extinct volcano crater AND hike around the top of the rim. It's exhilarating and beautiful.

Duane Huck

A hidden gem of a place, I highly recommend stopping and checking out the area, very nice scenery.

Bruce Miller

Right now the one big attraction...the drive up the volcano is closed...and the couple of miles of nature trails is worth the price of admission which right now is free....even at the best of times it is at best a couple hour distraction on a long drive to somewhere

Marcie Frewin

This was such a nice little stop on our drive up from Texas back to Canada. We were warned about how cold it would be at the top of the volcano but it was crazy how different the temperature and weather was. It was snowing up in the volcano! Definitely prepare for different weather. Having a parks pass gets you in for free since it is a National Park. Worth the drive to see!

Emily White

A really nice and quiet park. Had a lovely time walking around the rim and seeing the view in all directions. Also enjoyed one of the other, longer trails at the base. Highly recommend!!

Steven Long

Just a short side trip with a view from the top that is breath taking. The short hike is great and the rangers are more than helpful. The only draw back is the $25 per car load, a little pricey for a National Park with nothing else but a couple short trails.

Randi Custer

Oh my gosh. We loved this place. Very educational. Small but effective visitors center. You go right up the cone to the caldera, which you can walk down into or around the rim. Towering vistas. Unexpected delight.

Patrick Howard

Fun way to drop 20 bucks. They will not let you throw a virgin in the volcano i asked.

Down Zero

Absolutely beautiful. Hopefully the road to the rim will be open on my next visit.

Kris R.

So cool to be able to drive up to the rim!

Gina Kelly

This was a nice hike-steep in some places, no shade-but on the right kind of day it's really enjoyable. Lots of wild life to enjoy.

Dustin Harris

Nice park rangers with great info !!!

April Cheree

Really awesome gem on a long road trip. This place was really cool. You can hike a trail that runs around the edge of the volcano or you can take a trail to the core...or both! A definite stop if you're out this way.

Diena Bulman

You drive all the way up to the rim and then can walk all around the rim. Beautifully kept, excellent rangers who are extremely knowledgeable.

AJ

Some family members and I got there about 4:50 (we knew they closed at 5) and we’re told that they CLOSE at 4:50. It was posted that they close at 5. Not a big deal but come on, “We close at 4:50 sorry” really?! 4:50 isn’t 5. A little disrespectful imo.

Michelle Zamora

So there is randomly a Volcano off US Hwy 87 as you travel thru the northern part of New Mexico. It's super cool because you can drive up to the top and hike into and around the rim of the Volcano. The visitor center is informative and there is a picnic area at the base of the drive. There is a visitors fee to drive to the top but not to see the visitors center. Highly recommend.

angeles ryan

An amazing experience. after all, how many times have you been inside a volcano? Beautiful place. Hiking opportunity. Our kids loved it

Joyce Gulbrandson

The welcome center is clean and attractive, with pamphlets, souvenirs, and rangers who explain the area and volcano. Good road up to the volcano. Scenic views from the top, pathways around the top, and down into the volcano. Not a breathtaking visit.

Joni Wilson

Beautiful views. Great hiking.

Google User

Not too often do you get to see geologic history so well preserved.

Fabian Trujillo

Pretty cool place to walk around. The view from on top is amazing.

ernesto mendez

1main short upward hike w/ spectacular 360 view.

Brenna Jones

Awesome place. Very interesting.

Georgia Bowles

This is such a great place to visit, it's so beautiful.and from the top ridge you can see 4 states at once! I love stopping here any time I pass through, for a picnic lunch or just to get out of the vehicle for a hike.

Kevin W.

Cool national Park to go walk around. Nice little gift shop too. While hiking around the volcano we saw a rattlesnake and dear. Took about 2 hours total with driving, shopping, and hiking.

JOE GOKAHO

Entrance fee.was high for the fun factor. The scenery at 7800 is a typical. The volcano was smaller than expected. Go visit if you paid the free annual pass.

Mark Schanen

Cool national park. The Rangers here were very friendly and great with our kids. The views from the top of the volcano were great.

Margaret Lane

Breathtaking ! ! Especially by the time you got to the top of the volcano rim..

Edward White

This is a neat place but the road is washed out hopeful it will be replaced soon.

Trinitie Garrison

It cost $20 to go up the volcano. There are no guard rails, so it's scary heading up. The layered lava rock was gorgeous, though, and the view was spectacular. An old train runs, below.

Luke Frerichs

Not the most outstanding of our national parks, but still quite pleasant. They have a few short hiking trails with nice views of the area. The picnic area is very nice. Too bad when we were there the road to the top was closed due to storm damage.

Kevin Huneke

Be advised, the road to the top of the volcano is closed. It washed out after heavy rains.

Ian Angel Nixon

A gorgeous view with easy hikeable trails. But have sunscreen, water, and proper shoes.

Tori C

I can’t wait to come back when the road repairs are complete. Still very cool to see and learn about even if nobody can go to the top at the moment.

Dustin K

Great place to stop and visit! Take a drive up and enjoy the view. Dont forget to stop in the visitor center!

Timothy Betts

Fantastic, great views and kids loved it, earning their ranger badges by completing the workbook from the visitor center. Well worth the stop if in this area

John Archer

Short but interesting. Walk the rim for a great view.

Fire Mechanic and Dad

A good workout, that's also educational with awesome views! Bring water and hiking attire!

Katie Grice

Probably one of the most peaceful places I've been to.

bill sylvis

Awesome park with great views. One of the best places to see in New Mexico, great short hikes and photo opportunities. Small visitor center with knowledgeable staff. Bring your lunch with you as there is no where to eat close by.

Lauren Beaty

Unique attraction and we'll maintained. We really enjoy hiking around the crater rim each time we pass through.

Chris Larson

Fantastic experience and beautiful scenery. My son and I had a great time.

Terry Hairston

Moonlight hike was very enjoyable.

Cynthia P

Unfortunately the road to the top of the volcano to see crater washed out about a month ago. It is not expect to reopen until Spring of 2020 at the earliest. You can still walk the trails around the Visitor's Center and the scenery is beautiful. We took the Lava Flow path. While the walk is not difficult, it is uneven with loose rocks and is easy to slip. My rating reflects the closure of the road and should be reconsider after the Crater Road is re-opened.

cotton james

The people are always so nice and the view and drive up is amazingly beautiful

Patty Combs

Fabulous place! The rim trail is one of the most spectacular hike for the common person. A bit steep, take it easy but why would you hurry such a wonderful hike!

Marion Landreth

I went here coming home torsfrom Colorado, I've seen it like twice but this is the first time I got to stop here. The volcano itself was beautiful, especially if you have an appreciation for geology. The drive up is scary(it was for me at least, I was driving a jayhonker truck) but it was really fun. I hiked the rim, it was amazing with a 360 view. I highly recommend bringing 1 liter of water and a good pair of boots/shoes with good grip. Kids might have trouble with some of the slopes on both the rim and going into the center. If they're scared of heights, I would be weary of hiking it. Elderly might have trouble with the steeper parts too. The price is good for what you get. Remember that the money you give helps keep the place clean, safe, and enjoyable. Also, it's for the whole vehicle, some places make you pay per person. I personally don't mind 20 bucks per vehicle.

Michelle Smith

We spotted this place on our trip out to Colorado from Florida and decided to stop on the way back... So glad we did! The views from the rim of the volcano were astounding with the views inside the crater just as interesting. Moderate hiked both ways but well worth it.

Kathy Kroeger

Very interesting! Cool to walk down volcano vent trail.

Bonnie Gibons

Great place to drive up into the volcano. Able to see hundreds of miles.

Melissa Pyle

Great stop on our way through West Texas to Colorado. Hot in July! Bring lots of water!

Ed Kudlacz

We had a small group he and it was fun to walk around and learn about it

steven parsley

We stopped at this volcano on our way through. It was about an hour and a half total of time added to our trip, but the views and the hike were worth it. If you start on the rim, to the right, it is steep at first but levels out. If you are not used to hiking at that altitude, you will be winded. All the trails are paved and meticulous. Amazing 360 degree views.

Marianne Stambaugh

Off the beaten path and worth the side trip. The 10-minute film at the Visitor Center is interesting. The road to the top was closed when we visited, so we enjoyed the Lava Flow Trail.

Joey Ruiz

Just a beautiful place to visit and hike. The views are spectacular and the trail is both challenging and fun.

Saurav Shrestha

The road to the top was closed because of sinkholes. But there are few hiking trails. Sierra Grande View is beautiful as well.

Phyllis Casteel

Cool place beautiful views , has trails on top to walk. Bring water you'll need it

Elizabeth Farrar

Beautiful place to visit. Great hike around volcano.

Mark Dezuba

You must see it. Good place to take kids.

Robbie Gibbs

Didnt get to go to the top, cost too much, but the gift shop was interesting

Jay Bingham

Very interesting place to visit.

Caitlin Robinson

Very cool! Go early while it's cool

Matt Crawford

Our kids loved getting to go "inside" a volcano. $20 per vehicle seemed a little high, just make sure you have more than 2 hours to drive up & hike around. The hike down to the vent isn't that strenuous. We didn't make the hike around the ridge. Great views of the surrounding area!

Jodi Brinkmeyer

What a beautiful place. This park was expensive. But we just stopped to stretch our legs while traveling through.

Vicky Bur

Nice place. Very informative and interesting

Karin Ward

Awesome! Worth the drive! Amazing View!

James Wolfgang

Beautiful sights and one heck of a walk it is a interesting geographical landmark.

Sandra Evans

Well-maintained park with great trails tohike. Rangers friendly and knowledgeable

Micah Covey

Good rest stop on the road up to Colorado, but way to much Evolution. This area of the United States has so much western American history! Will be back!

Ruth Bly

The signs at the beginning of the walk wasn't too clear so went the wrong way, but still very interesting.

Janky McTango

Only ready to get four stars because the volcano road was closed otherwise everything was five stars.

Robert Boggess

Out in the middle of the flat lands, this volcano rises above in awe and majastey. The views from the top are breath taking. I walked around the top of the crater and down into the crater. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!

Jesse K

Great except for the$20 fee they charge so you can look closer . there are walking trails tho that are free and a lookout.

Jesse R

Bought something for the gift shop and accidentally left them on the counter and came back and they were gone and the works said they didn’t see anything and didn’t offer any assistance. Would not recommend

CG Gray

Incredible vistas, lovely hikes, great vegetation, and the only explorable volcano for many miles

Jeronebeth Medico

As we're traveling southeast from Colorado to Florida, we stopped by this national park along the way from Raton, NM heading straight to Texas. The drive up to the volcano wasn't bad and just a little hike around the area. Some nice views from the top and not a bad place for a pit stop and to stretch your feet/relax.

Bryan House

Very cool! Interesting video in the welcome center to learn of the origin.

Perlita Ruiz

The birds eye views were spectacular!

Richard Glitz

Road to top is closed to all traffic due to washout -- can't even walk up. Still a very pleasant stop in north central NM. Sky tours on Saturday night with good-quality telescopes.

Phyllis Ortiz-Hilborn

Great place, Rangers were very helpful.

Jared Sickles

Capulin Volcano is a great experience for kids who may have learned about volcanoes in school. They get to see firsthand the parts of the volcano and the different ways volcanos can form and change the landscape. My 7 year old did just fine on the rim hike despite not being used to the elevation.

Steve Wenrick

The road to the volcano's crater is closed. It was washed out about a half mile from the visitor center sometime in August 2019. Some hiking trails are available, however.

kevan sipla

Great stop in route to Colorado. We especially enjoyed hiking down into the volcano.

Mike Cofer

Wonderful walk around the rim and the views are spectacular. It was extremely windy (50+ MPH) and there were times you just wanted to hang on to a TREE.

James Kadlec

Fabulous 360 view of 5 states at the top