Last updated: April 22, 2021
Thing to Do
View the Night Sky at Capulin Volcano
Join us for an exceptional Dark Sky experience! Capulin was named a Gold Tier Dark Sky Place by the International Dark Sky Association in 2016. Capulin Volcano holds Dark Sky viewing most Saturday nights during Summer months, and select nights Fall, Winter, and Spring. Giant telescopes are provided by us, and the dark northeastern New Mexico skies by nature. You will see planets, galaxies, nebula, and other amazing sights all with your own eyes.
Capulin Volcano is at a higher altitude of over 6,000 feet. Nights can get chilly even in summer. A jacket, long pants, and closed toe shoes are recommended to attend a Dark Sky program. No reservations are needed. Call 575-278-2201 for more information or visit our astronomy webpage.
Even if you can't make it to a Dark Sky program, everyone is welcome to use our Dark Sky Viewing Area, which is open all night. Use telescopes or binoculars, or simply come out to view our amazing dark skies. There are a few rules to make your visit most enjoyable.
-No camping
-No fires
-No outdoor music or sound systems
-Please respect park staff's privacy
-Please clean up after yourself
Capulin Volcano is at a higher altitude of over 6,000 feet. Nights can get chilly even in summer. A jacket, long pants, and closed toe shoes are recommended to attend a Dark Sky program. No reservations are needed. Call 575-278-2201 for more information or visit our astronomy webpage.
Even if you can't make it to a Dark Sky program, everyone is welcome to use our Dark Sky Viewing Area, which is open all night. Use telescopes or binoculars, or simply come out to view our amazing dark skies. There are a few rules to make your visit most enjoyable.
-No camping
-No fires
-No outdoor music or sound systems
-Please respect park staff's privacy
-Please clean up after yourself
Details
Duration
30-120 Minutes
Activity
Stargazing
Age(s)
0-99
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
While pets are allowed on a leash when viewing the night sky on your own, we ask that you leave them at home when attending a dark sky program so they don't interfere with the telescopes. Service animals are always allowed.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Night Sky Viewing Area
The night sky viewing area is located in the oversized vehicle parking area near the visitor center. This parking area is open all night long.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Winter is very cold at night but usually clear unless there is a snowstorm. Bring lots of warm layers and be prepared for very cold weather. The Geminids Meteor Shower in December is very spectacular.
Spring is cold and usually clear and windy. Bring warm, windproof layers when viewing the night sky.
Summer and especially July and August have afternoon thunderstorms with clouds that obsure the night sky until early in the morning. The Milky Way is visible and the Perseids Meteor Shower in August is particularly amazing. Nights can still be cold so make sure to bring a jacket.
Fall is cold and usually clear most nights. Bring warm layers.
Spring is cold and usually clear and windy. Bring warm, windproof layers when viewing the night sky.
Summer and especially July and August have afternoon thunderstorms with clouds that obsure the night sky until early in the morning. The Milky Way is visible and the Perseids Meteor Shower in August is particularly amazing. Nights can still be cold so make sure to bring a jacket.
Fall is cold and usually clear most nights. Bring warm layers.
Time of Day
Night, Dusk
Accessibility Information
The night sky viewing area is located in the oversize vehicle parking area near the visitor center for Capulin Volcano National Monument. The parking area is flat and paved and there are several handicap accessible parking spaces.