Valles Caldera National Preserve

National Preserve New Mexico

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.

Entry Fees

No additional fees

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.

Address

39201 New Mexico Highway 4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Activities & Topics

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

Valles Caldera National Preserve

Entry Fees

Weather Information

Address

Activities & Topics

Contact Information

Operating Hours

wednesday

monday

thursday

sunday

tuesday

friday

saturday

Location