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National Preserve · New Mexico

Valles Caldera National Preserve

National Preserve in New Mexico. $25 per vehicle. 19 hikes listed.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Preserve
StateNew Mexico
Entrance fee$25 per vehicle
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkGreat Sand Dunes (137 mi)
Closest airportSAF (32 mi)
Scattered clouds over landscape view of winding river and brown grasslands
The views of Valles Caldera are some of nature's best Photo: NPS Photo

Valles Caldera National Preserve is a national preserve run by the National Park Service in New Mexico.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Hike the Cabin District Interpretive Trail (30 to 60 Minutes): 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 (3 to 4 Hours): 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 (5 to 6 Hours): 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 (30 to 60 Minutes): This self-guided audio tour walks through a day in the life of a seasonal worker at the Baca Ranch in the 20th century.
  • Bike the Valle Grande Loop (3 to 5 Hours): This bike route loops around Valle Grande, providing spectacular views along the entire route.
  • Take a Scenic Drive through Valle Grande (30 to 90 Minutes): The Valles Caldera Entrance Road is a scenic, four-mile-long gravel road through the heart of Valle Grande. This drive offers outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities, volcanic vistas, and several places to get out and explore on foot.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $25 per vehicle. The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

Hours: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Valle Grande Main Entrance is located at mile marker 39.2 along New Mexico Highway 4.

Getting there

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.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF) Santa Fe, NM No road route 32 Regional
Taos Regional Airport (TSM) Taos, NM No road route 60 Regional
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) Albuquerque, NM No road route 61 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • [Volcano Discovery Center](): Daily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM. Winter storms may cause the Volcano Discovery Center to be closed until the road and parking can be plowed.

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. 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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Great Sand Dunes, about 137 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Valles Caldera National Preserve?

$25 per vehicle.

Where is Valles Caldera National Preserve?

In New Mexico. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Santa Fe Municipal Airport, about 32 miles away.

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