This park was the highlight of our family vacation to Northern NM this past summer. We arrived around 8:30am at the visitor center and immediately drove up to the parking lot up on the rim. We hiked the Crater Rim and Vent trails (1.5 mi. RT) around the rim and into the center of the volcano and our 3 yo had a blast. The sweeping views are incredible everywhere you look on top of the rim. We returned to the visitor center around 10:30am, and my wife and daughter relaxed at the visitor center while I hiked the other two lower elevation trails in the park. The Lava Flow Trail (1 mi. RT) was ok, but I didn't think it was anything special. The Boca Trail (2 mi. RT) was spectacular, especially near the Quaking Aspen Overlook. There was so much to see on this trail and I couldn't believe mid-day on a summer Saturday I didn't see another person on the trail. Definitely an overlooked hike as most people just hike the Rim Trail and move on. Later in the evening, we returned to the park for a Dark Sky Program where astronomers allowed us to view galaxies, stars and nebulas through their telescopes. It was magical and we can't believe how amazing the night skies were on that clear sky night! It's a moment our family will cherish forever.

Never, ever, ever did we ever expect that this site....this old extinct volcano, had a road you could drive (2 miles) to get to the top, park and look around. One of our favorite spots to visit during this bucket list trip. Views were outstanding. Park staff incredibly helpful. You could even hike the rim of this old volcano. Doing some road work right now, ?cause of?, so there is a stop light to control traffic flow for about 500 ft or so. No issues, but what a view!

Visitor center was excellent. Displays were informative and staff answered all questions. Drive to upper parking area very nice. Views from area were spectacular. We did not hike to the rim because it was very windy and pretty cold. But, parts of trail we could see from upper parking lot looked well maintained.

Amazing stop with a fantastic staff. Niko made our visit, he was friendly and funny. Love the drive to the top and the little museum before we headed up, It was windy but well worth the hike to the center and the hike around the rim. What a view and we even saw some deer.

At entrance sign is a post for the perfect selfie with the sign. The visitor center is very nice and has a good short movie for information. We drove up to the parking lot, which is not very big and hiked the rim trail. It is very steep in parts, but the views were amazing! We wish we had bug spay since the gnats were really bad. Wear good shoes and bring water. I am glad we did the hike.

We just got lucky & saw a sign talking about a volcano. Decided to go check it out & so glad we did. You have to check in & buy a permit to drive up to the top. Which it's $20 per vehicle. But that's good for a year to get into any national state park. It's extremely fascinating & absolutely gorgeous views. There's 2 trails you can take. One goes down & one goes up. I'm not able to do that anymore but I sure would have if I could have. The one that goes up says it can take 90 minutes but it looks like it would be worth it. I think the one going down was 15 minutes. Another must see.

Open 8-5:30 pm. The parking lot by volcano closes 5:15 pm; Visitor Center closes 5:30 pm. Stargazing twice a month during summer about ½ hour after sunset. Visitor Center has a movie and area displays. Don’t go up when lightning in the area. Otherwise, a hike on the crater’s rim and down to the calder offer great area views of other volcanos and close-up views of botanic varieties.

If you do nothing else, walk the short (but steep) trail into the volcano. It is well worth the walk! The view from the top over the surrounding area is amazing as well! Make sure if you are going to wear a hat that it has a tie down, even with our tie down hats, mine almost flew away on the way back up the volcano.