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.

Quick Facts

State New Mexico

Designation National Preserve

State Code NM

Weather 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…

Location & Map

Valles Caldera National Preserve is located in New Mexico.

Get Directions

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.

Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Activities

Astronomy Stargazing Biking Mountain Biking Road Biking Fishing Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Self-Guided Tours - Auto Hiking Backcountry Hiking Front-Country Hiking Off-Trail Permitted Hiking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Hunting and Gathering Hunting Junior Ranger Program Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Snowshoeing Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs

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

Address 39201 New Mexico Highway 4, Jemez Springs, NM, 87025

Phone 505-670-1612

Email vall_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 Building Archeology Explorers and Expeditions Farming and Agriculture Ranches Hispanic American Heritage Industry Logging and Timber Cutting Latino American Heritage Native American Heritage Schools and Education Science, Technology and Innovation Transportation Tragic Events Catastrophic Fires Westward Expansion Animals Birds Cats (wild) Elk Fish Climate Change Fire Foothills, Plains and Valleys Forests and Woodlands Coniferous Forests Geology Groundwater Freshwater Springs Geothermal Grasslands Meadows Mountains Natural Sounds Night Sky Astronomy River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Scenic Views Trails Unique Species Rare Endangered Volcanoes Watersheds Headwaters Wetlands

Things To Do

Bike the Valle Grande Loop

This bike route loops around Valle Grande, providing spectacular views along the entire route.

This is a circular loop ride that follows the treeline around most of Valle Grande. THe route is roughly 24…

Take a Scenic Drive through Valle Grande

The Valles Caldera Entrance Road is a scenic, four-mile-long gravel road through the heart of Valle Grande. This drive offers…

Hike the Valle Grande Exploration Trail

The Valle Grande Exploration Trail (formerly known as the Pond Trail) is a gentle, 0.8-mile round-trip hike to a pond…

Hike the South Valle Grande Trail

The South Valle Grande Trail is a 2-mile round-trip hike that descends to the edge of Valle Grande, offering excellent…

Hike the South Mountain Trail

The South Mountain Trail is an 8.2-mile round-trip hike that climbs to the summit of South Mountain. The hike takes…

Hike the Rabbit Ridge Trail

The Rabbit Ridge Trail is a 2.4-mile round-trip hike that climbs to the south rim of Valles Caldera. It takes…

Visitor Centers

Volcano Discovery Center

An interactive exhibit allows you to experience the caldera-forming eruption. Interpretive signs and viewing scopes allow further exploration. Park store offers clothing, gifts, books, and…

Hours: Winter storms may cause the Volcano Discovery Center to be closed until the road and parking can be plowed.

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