The road to the top of Capulin Volcano is again open/NPS

Rain doesn't fall often in New Mexico, but when it does, it can be torrential. That's what came out last August at Capulin Volcano National Monument, which saw washouts damage the road that leads to the top of the volcano and force its closure. Finally, however, the road is back open.

The road reopened Thursday morning.  As a result, the park has resumed charging entrance fees to go to the top of the volcano. There remains a 90-yard road segment that will be one lane only, and motorists are asked to follow the following rules and restrictions to keep the road safe for everybody: 

• The one-lane road section is signed with updated traffic information. Heed the new road signs.

• The speed limit through the one-lane section on Volcano Road is signed 15 mph for both uphill and downhill traffic. The speed limit for the remainder of the road open to two lanes is a maximum of 20 mph.

• Both uphill and downhill traffic must stop at the stop signs on either end of the one-lane section before proceeding through the one-lane section.

• If no one is traveling in the opposing lane, you may proceed through the one lane section at the posted speed limit, one vehicle at a time. If a vehicle is in the lane, please wait for the lane to clear before proceeding.

• Do not stop in the one-lane section or any other portion of Volcano Road. The pullouts are for emergency use only.

• The Volcano Road is closed to RVs, buses, attached trailers or any other vehicles over 26 feet long while the road has the one-lane section. When the road returns to a full two lanes of traffic, this restriction will be re-assessed.

• Pedestrians and bicycles are not allowed on Volcano Road during normal operating hours when vehicle traffic is on the road. They are allowed on Volcano Road during daylight hours when the road is closed to motor vehicles.

• The road may close again in the future for maintenance needs and/or continuing road repairs.