Valles Caldera National Preserve
Designation: National Preserve
Location: New Mexico
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
The views of Valles Caldera are some of nature's best
Credit: NPS Photo
A coyote crossing the frozen East Fork Jemez River
Credit: NPS/Corey Lycopolus
San Antonio Cabin often housed cowboys when the preserve was privately-owned and operating as a ranch.
Credit: NPS Photo
The fall elk rut is a big attraction for visitors to see bull elk sparing and to hear the bulls bugle.
Credit: NPS Photo / Dan Williams
The East Fork Jemez River overlook is one of the first places that visitors stop for photos.
Credit: NPS/Irene Owsley
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
3-Day Weather Forecast
Tuesday, Apr 14
Partly Cloudy
High: 52°F | Low: 34.9°F
Humidity: 56%
Wind: 21 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 2.1
Sunrise: 06:34 AM
Sunset: 07:40 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (15%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 35.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Apr 15
Sunny
High: 58.8°F | Low: 27.7°F
Humidity: 50%
Wind: 17.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 2.1
Sunrise: 06:33 AM
Sunset: 07:41 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (8%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 32.5°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Apr 16
Sunny
High: 63.9°F | Low: 35.1°F
Humidity: 23%
Wind: 18.6 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.9
Sunrise: 06:32 AM
Sunset: 07:42 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (3%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 34.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (5)
Wind Advisory issued April 14 at 1:18AM MDT until April 14 at 7:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
Effective: Apr 14, 2026 3:18am
Expires: Apr 14, 2026 2:15pm
* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
expected.
* WHERE...Central Highlands, South Central Mountains, Curry County,
Guadalupe County, Quay County, Roosevelt County, Eastern San Miguel
County, and Southwest Chaves County.
* WHEN...From noon today to 7 PM MDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area roadways,
including I-40.
Red Flag Warning issued April 14 at 12:45AM MDT until April 14 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
Effective: Apr 14, 2026 2:45am
Expires: Apr 14, 2026 10:00pm
...RED FLAG WARNING FOR MUCH OF NORTHEASTERN AND EAST CENTRAL NEW
MEXICO 12 PM TO 8 PM TODAY DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW
HUMIDITY...
.Strong southwest winds and low humidity values return to the area
today, expanding across a larger area of northeastern and east-
central NM. This will bring the potential for rapid fire spread
to areas that received little rainfall this past Friday and
Saturday.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Red Flag
Warning...which is in effect from noon today to 8 PM MDT this
evening.
* AREA AND TIMING...Northeast Plains and Highlands (Zones 104 and
123), Central Highlands (Zone 125), and East-Central Plains
(Zone 126) from 12 PM to 8 PM MDT tonight.
* 20 FOOT WINDS...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with peak gusts up
to 55 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values 10 to 15 percent.
* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Red Flag Warning issued April 14 at 12:30PM MDT until April 14 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
Effective: Apr 14, 2026 2:30pm
Expires: Apr 14, 2026 10:00pm
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FOR NORTHEAST AND EAST CENTRAL NEW
MEXICO FROM 12 PM TO 8 PM TODAY DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW
HUMIDITY...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FOR NORTHEAST AND EAST CENTRAL NEW
MEXICO FROM 12 PM TO 8 PM THURSDAY DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW
HUMIDITY...
.Critical fire weather conditions will continue through early
evening across northeast and east central New Mexico where strong
southwest winds and low humidity values persist. After less wind
on Wednesday, strong southwest winds and low humidity values will
return to northeast and east central New Mexico Thursday.
However, humidity values will be much lower on Thursday than
today, as several hours of single digit relative humidity values
are expected.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Fire
Weather Watch...which is in effect from Thursday afternoon
through Thursday evening.
* AREA AND TIMING...Northeast Plains and Highlands (Zones 104 and
123), Central Highlands (Zone 125), and East Central Plains
(Zone 126) through 8 PM MDT tonight and again Thursday from noon
through 8 PM MDT.
* 20 FOOT WINDS...For the rest of today, southwest winds 25 to 35
mph with peak gusts up to 50 mph. For Thursday, southwest winds
20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...For today, minimum values of 12 to 16
percent. For Thursday, minimum values of 5 to 9 percent.
* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Fire Weather Watch issued April 14 at 12:30PM MDT until April 16 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
Effective: Apr 14, 2026 2:30pm
Expires: Apr 14, 2026 10:00pm
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FOR NORTHEAST AND EAST CENTRAL NEW
MEXICO FROM 12 PM TO 8 PM TODAY DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW
HUMIDITY...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FOR NORTHEAST AND EAST CENTRAL NEW
MEXICO FROM 12 PM TO 8 PM THURSDAY DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW
HUMIDITY...
.Critical fire weather conditions will continue through early
evening across northeast and east central New Mexico where strong
southwest winds and low humidity values persist. After less wind
on Wednesday, strong southwest winds and low humidity values will
return to northeast and east central New Mexico Thursday.
However, humidity values will be much lower on Thursday than
today, as several hours of single digit relative humidity values
are expected.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Fire
Weather Watch...which is in effect from Thursday afternoon
through Thursday evening.
* AREA AND TIMING...Northeast Plains and Highlands (Zones 104 and
123), Central Highlands (Zone 125), and East Central Plains
(Zone 126) through 8 PM MDT tonight and again Thursday from noon
through 8 PM MDT.
* 20 FOOT WINDS...For the rest of today, southwest winds 25 to 35
mph with peak gusts up to 50 mph. For Thursday, southwest winds
20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...For today, minimum values of 12 to 16
percent. For Thursday, minimum values of 5 to 9 percent.
* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Wind Advisory issued April 14 at 11:32AM MDT until April 14 at 7:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
Effective: Apr 14, 2026 1:32pm
Expires: Apr 14, 2026 9:00pm
* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
expected.
* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, northeast, and southeast
New Mexico.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM MDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs may be blown down. Expect strong crosswinds on area roadways,
including I-25 and I-40.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Localized areas of blowing dust may restrict
visibility.
Park Alerts
Park Events
The Valles Caldera Eruption Experience
Come and experience an immersive simulation of the Valles Caldera eruption! Every hour on the half-hour, the Volcano Discovery Center "erupts" with a multisensory exhibit experience that showcases the past 1.2 million years of geologic history at Valles Caldera. Feel the rumble and quaking of the earth. Hear the explosive volcanic forces that created the 14-mile-wide caldera. Watch the lakes and lava domes appear. At the end of the show, bask in a newfound understanding of this unique landscape, and continue to learn and discover more by interacting with the immersive Valles Caldera exhibit.
WARNING: This show includes loud explosion sound effects and flashing lights. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, we recommend visiting the Volcano Discovery Center after the show has concluded (at :35 past the hour). Ask a park ranger about how to experience a sensory-friendly version of the eruption show!
Location: This experience takes place at the Volcano Discovery Center, located in the Cabin District approximately 4 miles into the park from NM-4.
Date: Jul 25, 2025 12:00am to Dec 31, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Wildlife Photography
A hike with a focus on wildlife photography principles and techniques covering Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Jemez Mountains.
Learn the basics of wildlife photography and compositional recommendations all while exploring Valles Caldera and the Jemez Mountain region. You will need to provide your own camera for this program (Mirrorless, DSLR, SLR, or mobile). Hiking distance varies from 1-5 miles.
Location: Registered participants will meet at the Volcano Discovery Center, located in the Cabin District approximately 4 miles down the Valles Caldera entrance road.
Date: Jan 4, 2026 12:00am to Jan 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Predators of the Past—Wolves and Grizzly Bears
While snowshoeing or skiing on groomed trails around the scenic La Jara peak, participants will learn about the history of wolves and grizzly bears in Valles Caldera, the role of these apex predators in the ecosystem, and the current state of the Mexican gray wolf recovery program. Participants must bring appropriate clothing for winter weather, hydration, and snacks. The route is approximately 1.5 miles.
Location: Meet at the Cerro La Jara Trailhead.
Date: Jan 9, 2026 12:00am to Jan 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Winter Soundscapes Strenuous Ski Tour
Join Ranger Adam for a guided ski tour of Valles Caldera National Preserve. Listen to the sounds of Valles Caldera in the winter and learn about the connections between nature's soundscapes and the wider ecosystem. Participants will leave the sounds of urban life and technology behind to discover the sounds of nature and the unique ecology of Valles Caldera.
For this program, guests must bring their own skiing equipment. Rugged cross-country skis or light telemark and alpine touring setups are recommended with fish scale patterns or skins. Split boards are also fine. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and appropriate winter clothing. Depending on snow conditions and guest wishes, the tour will leave from the Volcano Discovery Center and go for a 4-5 mile loop on groomed trails. This is a strenuous route at altitude that requires proper hydration, nutrition, and physical conditioning.
Registration is not required.
Location: Program begins at the Volcano Discovery Center.
Date: Jan 16, 2026 12:00am to Jan 16, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Stargazing in the Caldera
Join park rangers for an evening under the stars in the Cabin District. Activities will include stargazing and an astrophotography workshop. Telescopes and star binoculars will be provided for participants.
Location: Program takes place at the Volcano Discovery Center.
Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 17, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Instant Film Photography Program
Learn the basics of photography and compositional recommendations using an instant film camera, all while exploring Valles Caldera. A camera and film will be provided, but exposures will be limited to 2 per person. If you want to take more than two photos, you can purchase your own film to use (Polaroid i-Type, color or black & white) and can bring your own instant film camera as well. The program is approximately 1 hour in duration.
Spots are limited. Registration required.
Location: This program begins at the Ranger Station, located in the Cabin District approximately 4 miles down the park road from the main entrance.
Date: Jan 18, 2026 12:00am to Jan 18, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Guided Hike: El Cajete Trail
Join us for a ranger-guided hike on El Cajete Trail! This hike is approximately 3 miles in duration and will focus on wildlife viewing and winter soundscapes. Participants should bring appropriate clothing for winter weather, hydration, and snacks. Binoculars and cameras are encouraged, too.
No registration required.
Location: This program begins at the Volcano Discovery Center.
Date: Jan 23, 2026 12:00am to Jan 23, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Predators of the Past—Wolves and Grizzly Bears
While snowshoeing or skiing on groomed trails around the scenic La Jara peak, participants will learn about the history of wolves and grizzly bears in Valles Caldera, the role of these apex predators in the ecosystem, and the current state of the Mexican gray wolf recovery program. Participants must bring appropriate clothing for winter weather, hydration, and snacks. The route is approximately 1.5 miles.
Location: Meet at the Cerro La Jara Trailhead.
Date: Jan 30, 2026 12:00am to Jan 30, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Moonlit Hike & Storytelling
Join park rangers for an evening under the full moon with a guided hike from the Cabin District to History Grove. Activities will include curated stories connected to Valles Caldera, a 2-mile hike on the road from the Cabin District to History Grove and back, and a short workshop on astrophotography.
Snowshoes are available to rent onsite if you do not own a pair.
Location: Program begins at the Volcano Discovery Center.
Date: Jan 31, 2026 12:00am to Jan 31, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Wildlife Photography
A hike with a focus on wildlife photography principles and techniques covering Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Jemez Mountains.
Learn the basics of wildlife photography and compositional recommendations all while exploring Valles Caldera and the Jemez Mountain region. You will need to provide your own camera for this program (Mirrorless, DSLR, SLR, or mobile). Hiking distance varies from 1-5 miles.
Location: Registered participants will meet at the Volcano Discovery Center, located in the Cabin District approximately 4 miles down the Valles Caldera entrance road.
Date: Feb 1, 2026 12:00am to Feb 1, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
39201 New Mexico Highway 4
Jemez Springs, NM 87025
🏤 Mailing Address:
090 Villa Louis Martin Dr.
Jemez Springs, NM 87025
📞 Voice Phone: 505-670-1612
✉️ Email: vall_info@nps.gov