Milky Way Stars over Capulin Volcano at night
30-120 Minutes

View the Night Sky at Capulin Volcano

Capulin Volcano National Monument

View the night sky at a volcano! Capulin Volcano National Monument is a International Dark Sky Place, which means thousands of stars are visible in the night sky. On Saturday evenings during the summer, rangers conduct dark sky programs here.

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

Tags

StargazingPhotographyGeologyNatural SoundsNight SkyAstronomyRock Landscapes and FeaturesScenic ViewsVolcanoesnight skynight sky parksnight sky activitiesnightCapulin Volcano National MonumentNew Mexicovolcanoastronomyastronomy activities

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Details

Duration

30-120 Minutes

Fees Apply

No

Seasons

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Night, Dusk

Accessibility

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.

Pets

Yes — 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.

Reservations

No

Location

Night Sky Viewing Area

View on NPS.govBack to Capulin Volcano

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