Valles Caldera National Preserve
About 1.25 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 13-mile wide circular depression now known as the 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 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.
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- 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
- 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
San Antonio Cabin
San Antonio Cabin often housed cowboys when the preserve was privately-owned and operating as a ranch.
Elk Bulls Fighting
The fall elk rut is a big attraction for visitors to see bull elk sparing and to hear the bulls bugle.
Wide Open Views of Valles Caldera
The views of Valles Caldera are some of nature's best
Wildlife Wonders of Valles Caldera
Bobcats, eagles, elk, and black bears call the Valles Caldera home.
Wild Turkey hens and a tom too!
Birding in the Preserve can be very rewarding!
High altitude Landscapes
Hiking opportunities abound in the Valles Caldera.
Valles Caldera Rainbow
As thunderstorms roll over the caldera, they leave colorful rainbows.
Fall Color in Valles Caldera
Visiting the Valles Caldera in fall offers wildlife and colorful viewing