National Preserve

Valles Caldera National Preserve

Southwest

About Valles Caldera

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.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Southwest
State: New Mexico
Designation: National Preserve
Entrance fee: $25, private vehicle

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Valles Caldera.

Entrance fees

$25 Private Vehicle The entrance fee for a private vehicle covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve.
$20 Motorcycle
$15 Per Person

Passes

$45 Annual Entrance - Park

Hours

Valle Grande Main Entrance

Mon: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sun: 9:00AM - 5:00PM

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

Weather and when to go

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 summer monsoon rains (thunderstorms) in July and August and winter snowstorms in December through March. Higher elevation lends to much cooler temperatures than nearby Albuquerque.

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 39201 New Mexico Highway 4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
Phone: (505) 670-1612
Email: vall_info@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/vall

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Valles Caldera

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Valles Caldera

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Hike the Cabin District Interpretive Trail

Front-Country Hiking · about 40 min

The Cabin District Interpretive Trail is a gentle, 0.6-mile round-trip route through the historic ranch headquarters for Baca Land & Cattle Company. It takes 30-60 minutes to comp…
Hike the Cerro Abrigo Loop

Backcountry Hiking · about 3.3 hours · Reservation required

This 7.2-mile (11.6 km) loop gently ascends a lava dome and then contours around it, offering great views of the eastern half of the caldera. This hike takes 3-4 hours to complete…
Hike the San Antonio Mountain Trail

Backcountry Hiking · about 5.3 hours · Reservation required

The San Antonio Mountain Trail is a strenuous, 11-mile round-trip hike that climbs to the summit of San Antonio Mountain. It takes 5-6 hours to complete. Pets are not permitted.
Horseback Riding in Valles Caldera

Horseback Riding · about 45 min · Reservation required

With Valles Caldera's rich ranching history, horses have been part of this landscape for over 100 years. Learn about how to participate in this legacy and ride your horse at Valle…
Hunting in Valles Caldera

Hunting · about 45 min · Reservation required

Valles Caldera National Preserve is one of New Mexico's premier elk hunting locations. Between 2,500 and 3,000 elk occupy the preserve for breeding, calving and foraging.
Take a Self-Guided Tour of the Cabin District

Self-Guided Tours - Walking · about 40 min

This self-guided audio tour walks through a day in the life of a seasonal worker at the Baca Ranch in the 20th century.
Bike the Valle Grande Loop

Biking · about 3.7 hours

This bike route loops around Valle Grande, providing spectacular views along the entire route.
Take a Scenic Drive through Valle Grande

Scenic Driving · about 50 min

The Valles Caldera Entrance Road is a scenic, four-mile-long gravel road through the heart of Valle Grande. This drive offers outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities, volcanic…
Hike the Valle Grande Exploration Trail

Front-Country Hiking · about 40 min

The Valle Grande Exploration Trail (formerly known as the Pond Trail) is a gentle, 0.8-mile round-trip hike to a pond in the heart of Valle Grande. It takes approximately 1 hour t…