National Preserve

Valles Caldera National Preserve

Valles Caldera National Preserve is a National Preserve in New Mexico. The NPS currently lists 2 active alerts, 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center; entrance fees start at $15.

New Mexico National Preserve America the Beautiful pass accepted

Updated Oct 28, 2026, 9:51 AM EDT · NPS Data API

Scattered clouds over landscape view of winding river and brown grasslands — Wide Open Views of Valles Caldera · Photo: NPS Photo (via nps.gov)

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.”

— National Park Service, nps.gov/vall

Active alerts

Closures

Campgrounds

Visitor centers

Current alerts and closures

2 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 2 information.

Information

Backcountry 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 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.

Posted or updated May 14, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

Information

Trail 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 restoration. The NPS is working on a trail reroute and will provide details as soon as possible.

Posted or updated Nov 19, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

Entrance fees
Fee	Cost	Details
Entrance - Private Vehicle	$25	The entrance fee for a private vehicle covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve. Buy online
Entrance - Motorcycle	$20	Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Buy online
Entrance - Per Person	$15	The per-person entrance fee covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve. Buy online

Park passes
Pass	Cost	Buy
Annual Entrance - Park	$45	At the park

The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online.

Things to do

A vivid blue pond surrounded by lush grasses and evergreen trees. — Photo: NPS/Corey Lycopolus

Bike the Alamo Canyon to Valle Seco Lasso

The Alamo Canyon to Valle Seco Lasso is a 13.5-mile bike route through the western portion of Valles Caldera National Preserve.

4-6 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies

Mountain Biking

Two cyclists ride along a flat, gravel road through a montane grassland. — Photo: NPS/Corey Lycopolus

Bike the Redondo Foothills Loop

The Redondo Foothills Loop is a moderately strenuous, 9.5-mile bike route beginning in the Cabin District. This ride features flowy descents, 771 feet of climbing, and great views of Valle Grande.

2-3 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies

Mountain Biking

Two people sitting on their bicycles along a rough dirt trail with mountains in the background. — Photo: NPS/M. Wilder

Bike the Valle Grande Loop

This bike route loops around Valle Grande, providing spectacular views along the entire route.

3-5 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall

Biking

See all 46 things to do in Valles Caldera →

Activities the NPS lists for Valles Caldera.

AstronomyStargazingBikingMountain BikingRoad BikingFishingFreshwater FishingFly FishingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingOff-Trail Permitted HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingHunting and GatheringHuntingJunior Ranger ProgramSkiingCross-Country SkiingSnowshoeingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs

Operating hours

Valle Grande Main Entrance is located at mile marker 39.2 along New Mexico Highway 4.

Valle Grande Main Entrance
Day	Hours
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

Weather: 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.

Contact and directions

Phone: 505-670-1612
Email: [email protected]
Address: 39201 New Mexico Highway 4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
Coordinates: 35.9168, -106.5196· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor center	Standard hours	Phone	Passport stamp
Volcano Discovery Center	Daily: 9:00AM - 4:30PM	505-670-1612	Yes

Campgrounds

No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.

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Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/vall/index.htm
Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.