Valles Caldera National Preserve - National Park Directory

Scattered clouds over landscape view of winding river and brown grasslands

The views of Valles Caldera are some of nature's best

A coyote walks across a frozen stream in a snowy valley.

A coyote crossing the frozen East Fork Jemez River

San Antonio cabin under a mostly cloudy sky

San Antonio Cabin often housed cowboys when the preserve was privately-owned and operating as a ranch.

The fall elk rut is a big attraction for visitors to see bull elk sparing and to hear the bulls bugle.

A narrow stream meanders through a montane grassland.

The East Fork Jemez River overlook is one of the first places that visitors stop for photos.

Photos: National Park Service

About Valles Caldera National Preserve

About 1.2 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created a 14-mile-wide circular depression in the earth now known as Valles Caldera. The preserve is known for its huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. The area also preserves the homeland of ancestral native peoples and embraces a rich ranching history.

Plan a Visit

NPS DesignationNational Preserve

Park State / Territory MembershipNew Mexico

Current Alerts2

Visitor Centers1

Campgrounds0

Things To Do46

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

Each season offers a different experience: lush springs, moderate summers, golden falls, and snowy winters. Average temperatures are 22°F (-6 C) in January and 60°F (16 C) in July. Temperature extremes range from a high of 84°F (29 C) in summer to -30°F (-34C) in winter. Precipitation is heavier during…

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: New Mexico. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$25.00

The entrance fee for a private vehicle covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Entrance - Motorcycle$20.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Entrance - Per Person$15.00

The per-person entrance fee covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Operating Hours

Valle Grande Main Entrance is located at mile marker 39.2 along New Mexico Highway 4.

Friday9:00AM - 5:00PM

Monday9:00AM - 5:00PM

Saturday9:00AM - 5:00PM

Sunday9:00AM - 5:00PM

Thursday9:00AM - 5:00PM

Tuesday9:00AM - 5:00PM

Wednesday9:00AM - 5:00PM

Activities

AstronomyStargazingBikingMountain BikingRoad BikingFishingFreshwater FishingFly FishingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country Hiking

Current Alerts

Backcountry route open to vehicles May 15 - November 15

Valles Caldera's backcountry road system opens to vehicles on Friday, May 15, 2026. Forty vehicles passes will be issued per day through November 15, when the route closes for the 2026 season. Passes may be reserved up to 3 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Any remaining daily passes will be available on a first come, first served basis in the Volcano Discovery Center.

Trail closure for pipeline restoration project

The VC09/South Valle Toledo/Posos Trail from the Valle Toledo parking area to the eastern park boundary is closed for restoration. The NPS is working on a trail reroute and will provide details as soon as possible.

Getting There

From Jemez Springs, NM: Follow NM-4 north. The Preserve is about 22 miles from Jemez Springs. Look for the Main Gate and signs at Mile Marker 39.2. From Los Alamos, NM: Take Trinity Drive to Diamond. Take a left on Diamond, then a right on West Jemez Road to the intersection with NM-4. Take a right [away from Bandelier National Monument], following the highway up and into the Jemez Mountains. The Preserve is 18 miles up NM-4 from Los Alamos. Look for the Main Gate and signs at Mile Marker 39.2.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed Address39201 New Mexico Highway 4, Jemez Springs, NM, 87025

Phone505-670-1612

Emailvall_info@nps.gov

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park$45.00

Beginning January 1, 2025, visitors may purchase an annual park pass for Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Topics & Themes

Architecture and BuildingArcheologyExplorers and ExpeditionsFarming and AgricultureRanchesHispanic American HeritageIndustryLogging and Timber CuttingLatino American HeritageNative American HeritageSchools and EducationScience, Technology and InnovationTransportationTragic EventsCatastrophic FiresWestward Expansion