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.
Photo: NPS Photo
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.
- LocationJemez Springs, NM
- Entrance $25 private vehicle
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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Weather now60°F Partly Cloudy
- Alerts 2 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Archeology
- Architecture and Building
- Astronomy
- Birds
- Catastrophic Fires
- Cats (wild)
- Climate Change
39 more topics
- Coniferous Forests
- Elk
- Endangered
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Farming and Agriculture
- Fire
- Fish
- Foothills, Plains and Valleys
- Forests and Woodlands
- Freshwater Springs
- Geology
- Geothermal
- Grasslands
- Groundwater
- Headwaters
- Hispanic American Heritage
- Industry
- Latino American Heritage
- Logging and Timber Cutting
- Meadows
- Mountains
- Native American Heritage
- Natural Sounds
- Night Sky
- Ranches
- Rare
- River and Riparian
- Rock Landscapes and Features
- Scenic Views
- Schools and Education
- Science, Technology and Innovation
- Tragic Events
- Trails
- Transportation
- Unique Species
- Volcanoes
- Watersheds
- Westward Expansion
- Wetlands
Alerts (2)
InformationBackcountry 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… Read more
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.
InformationTrail 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 re… Read more
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.
Things to Do
30 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Watching
- Stargazing
- Astronomy
- Fishing
- Biking
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Horse Trekking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Picnicking
- Backcountry Hiking
Show 18 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find timed-entry reservations, visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Timed Entry & Reservations
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Valles Caldera National Preserve Backcountry Vehicle Timed Entry
Timed Entry
Visitor Centers
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Volcano Discovery Center
Visitor Center
An interactive exhibit allows you to experience the caldera-forming eruption. Interpretive signs and viewing scopes allow further exploration. Park store offers…
Details
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 snacks. Accessible parking and ramp are at the building's rear entrance.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Valle Grande Main Entrance
Hours details
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Valle Grande Main EntranceDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Valle Grande Main Entrance is located at mile marker 39.2 along New Mexico Highway 4.
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance fees
- $25Private Vehicle
- $20Motorcycle
- $15Per Person
Fee details
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Private Vehicle$25
The entrance fee for a private vehicle covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve.
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Motorcycle$20
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
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Per Person$15
The per-person entrance fee covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Passes
- $45Annual Entrance - Park
Pass details
- Annual Entrance - Park
Beginning January 1, 2025, visitors may purchase an annual park pass for Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Weather
60°F
Partly Cloudy · feels like 48°
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Today
62° 40°
Sunny6% rain -
Tomorrow
66° 42°
Sunny3% rain
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Saturday
72° 44°
Sunny2% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Contact the park
Upcoming Events
10 coming up-
The Valles Caldera Eruption Experience
About
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!
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Wildlife Photography
About
A hike with a focus on wildlife photography principles and techniques covering the frontcountry of Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Jemez Mountains. The hiking portion will be between 1-4 miles depending on location for the day. All camera types are welcome (SLR, DSLR, Mirrorless, Mobile). The program will begin outside the Volcano Discovery Center at 9am and will carvan to trail location at 9:15am, with no exceptions. -
Rug Tufting Demo & Tutorial
About
Join Artist in Residence Julia Andreas for a guided demonstration and tutorial of the art of rug tufting! Participants will learn how to use a tufting gun and a punch needle and then will be invited to contribute to a collaborative rug inspired by Valles Caldera National Preserve.
This program will begin with a short walk (about 30 minutes) through the Cabin District for grounding and inspiration. Julia will provide a brief explanation of the art form, the tufting gun vs. punch needle, and her own adventure getting into rug tufting. She will then demonstrate how to use the tufting gun and punch needle and invite participants to try it out.
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Caldera Reverie: Artistic Visions from a Volcanic Landscape
About
For at least 12,000 years, travelers have been captivated by the beauty and abundance of Valles Caldera. This volcanic landscape in the Jemez Mountains holds an undeniable allure that can be witnessed only by peering in from the edge. Featuring original artwork by Valles Caldera National Preserve's former artists in residence, Caldera Reverie: Artistic Visions from a Volcanic Landscape celebrates the universal connection between humans and the natural world. This traveling art exhibit will be on display at Jemez Fine Art in Jemez Springs from October 16-29. Free entry; gallery hours are 11 am to 4 pm, Wednesday thru Monday (closed Tuesdays).
Show 6 more events
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Instant Film Photography Program
About
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. -
Wildlife Photography
About
A hike with a focus on wildlife photography principles and techniques covering the frontcountry of Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Jemez Mountains. The hiking portion will be between 1-4 miles depending on location for the day. All camera types are welcome (SLR, DSLR, Mirrorless, Mobile). The program will begin outside the Volcano Discovery Center at 9am and will carvan to trail location at 9:15am, with no exceptions. -
Wildlife Photography
About
A hike with a focus on wildlife photography principles and techniques covering the frontcountry of Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Jemez Mountains. The hiking portion will be between 1-4 miles depending on location for the day. All camera types are welcome (SLR, DSLR, Mirrorless, Mobile). The program will begin outside the Volcano Discovery Center at 10:00 am. -
Instant Film Photography Program
About
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. -
Wildlife Photography
About
A hike with a focus on wildlife photography principles and techniques covering the frontcountry of Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Jemez Mountains. The hiking portion will be between 1-4 miles depending on location for the day. All camera types are welcome (SLR, DSLR, Mirrorless, Mobile). The program will begin outside the Volcano Discovery Center at 9am and will carvan to trail location at 9:15am, with no exceptions. -
Instant Film Photography Program
About
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.
Photos
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The fall elk rut is a big attraction for visitors to see bull elk sparing and to hear the bulls bugle. — NPS Photo / Dan Williams -
Getting There
Jemez Springs, NM 87025
From Jemez Springs, NM: Follow NM-4 north. The Preserve is about 22 miles from Jemez Springs.
Full directions
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.
Mailing address: 090 Villa Louis Martin Dr., Jemez Springs, NM 87025
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