Entrance Fee
$25.00
/ Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park Hours (Today)
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Volcano Discovery Center: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
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About the Park
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.
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What to See & Do
Hike the Cabin District Interpretive Trail
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 complete. Leashed pets are welcome.
Hike the Cerro Abrigo Loop
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. Pets are not permitted.
Hike the San Antonio Mountain Trail
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
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 Valles Caldera National Preserve today.
Hunting in Valles Caldera
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
This self-guided audio tour walks through a day in the life of a seasonal worker at the Baca Ranch in the 20th century.
Self-Guided Tours
Hemish Connections Driving Tour
Since the 1100s CE, Valles Caldera has been at the center of Hemish (Pueblo of Jemez) religion, culture, and history. During this tour, you will hear about the special connections between Hemish people and the Valles Caldera landscape from Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Chris Toya, traditional religious leader Brophy Toledo, and cultural resources leaders Byron Andrew and Mark Magdalena.
Sulphur Springs Geology Tour
Welcome to the self-guided Sulphur Springs geology tour! Sulphur Springs is the premier location to witness geothermal activity at Valles Caldera National Preserve. Features like hot and cold springs, mudpots, and fumaroles are common here. During this tour, please watch your step and stay a safe distance from the features. The terrain is rough, and there is currently no designated trail to follow through Sulphur Springs.
Spanish Place Names & Origins
Welcome to Valles Caldera National Preserve! "Spanish Place Names & Origins" is a driving tour that will explain the Spanish origins of key landmarks at Valles Caldera National Preserve. The tour will guide you to roadside locations where you can observe each of the described landmarks from your car. Each stop will include a short history and some pronunciation assistance.
Visitor Centers
Volcano Discovery Center
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.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
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.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Entrance Station Parking Lot
Large, unpaved, gravel parking area that does not have designated spaces except for handicapped parking area nearest the entrance station building. The lot is large enough for large RVs or vehicles pulling trailers to turn around as long as the lot is not filled to capacity.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Valles Caldera National Preserve — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00The entrance fee for a private vehicle covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00The per-person entrance fee covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Annual & Lifetime Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$45.00Beginning January 1, 2025, visitors may purchase an annual park pass for Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Operating Hours
Valle Grande Main Entrance
Valle Grande Main Entrance is located at mile marker 39.2 along New Mexico Highway 4.
- Monday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tuesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wednesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thursday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Friday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Saturday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sunday9:00AM - 5:00PM
Live Webcams
Click any camera to open the live feed on the NPS website.
Photos
A coyote walks across a frozen stream in a snowy valley.
San Antonio cabin under a mostly cloudy sky
Two bull elk fighting.
A narrow stream meanders through a montane grassland.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
1 day
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Planning Valles Caldera
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