valles-caldera | NM | Find park

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.

Scattered clouds over landscape view of winding river and brown grasslands

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

Photo of young bobcat looking at the camera

Bobcats, eagles, elk, and black bears call the Valles Caldera home.

Forest floor with three hen turkeys and a tom turkey fanning his tail in display

Birding in the Preserve can be very rewarding!

Landscape view with grasses, a pond, fir trees, and a mountain background

Hiking opportunities abound in the Valles Caldera.

A rainbow coming down across a grassy valley with a pine tree.

As thunderstorms roll over the caldera, they leave colorful rainbows.

Aspen tree trunks with golden fall leaf color above

Visiting the Valles Caldera in fall offers wildlife and colorful viewing

Physical Address:

39201 New Mexico Highway 4

Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Mailing Address:

090 Villa Louis Martin Dr.

Jemez Springs, NM 87025

contact-details

Phone Number: 505-670-1612 Voice

Email Address: vall_info@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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.

park designation:National Preserve

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Valle Grande Main Entrance - Summer Season

Valle Grande Main Entrance is located at mile marker 39.2 along New Mexico Highway 4. Summer hours are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Please visit Valles Caldera National Preserve's website at www.nps.gov/vall for the most up-to-date information.

Exceptions:

Labor Day to Memorial Day (September 2, 2023 - May 27, 2024)

Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024 - November 28, 2024)

December 25th (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

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.