Rate Valles Caldera National Preserve
Learn and Explore
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Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Preserve
Operating Hours & Seasons
Valle Grande Main Entrance – Summer Season
Valle Grande main entrance is located at mile marker 39.2 along New Mexico Highway 4. Main Entrance is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Please visit the Valles Caldera National Preserve’s website at www.nps.gov/vall for the most up-to-date information.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Monday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Tuesday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Wednesday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Thursday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Friday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Saturday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM
Valle Grande Main Entrance – Winter Season
Valle Grande main entrance is located at mile marker 39.2 along New Mexico Highway 4. Main Entrance is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Severe winter weather may affect the operating hours. Please visit the Valles Caldera National Preserve’s website at www.nps.gov/vall for the most up-to-date information.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Monday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Tuesday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Wednesday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Thursday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Friday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Saturday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Additional Information View More
- Christmas Day:
- Closed
- Thanksgiving Day:
- Closed
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $20.00 – Entrance Fee – By Vehicle
Non-commercial car, van, pickup truck, motorcycle or RV: $20 per vehicle (no per-person fee)
- $10.00 – Entrance Fee – By Foot, Bicycle, Horse, or Non-commercial Bus
Entry into the preserve by foot, bicycle, horse, or non-commercial bus: $10 per person aged 16 and older (academic fee waivers may be available for curriculum-based educational trips)
About
Non-commercial car, van, pickup truck, motorcycle or RV: $20 per vehicle (no per-person fee)
Entry into the preserve by foot, bicycle, horse, or non-commercial bus: $10 per person aged 16 and older (academic fee waivers may be available for curriculum-based educational trips)
The Nation’s Newest 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.
Directions
From Jemez Springs, NM: Follow Highway 4 north. Preserve is about 22 miles from Jemez Springs. Look for the Main Gate 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 State Highway 4. Take a right [away from Bandelier National Monument], following the highway up and into the Jemez Mountains.) The Preserve is 18 miles up Highway 4 from Los Alamos. Look for the Main Gate at Mile Marker 39.2.
Visitor Centers
Valle Grande Visitor Center
The Valle Grande Visitor Center has interpretive displays, offers recreational permits, and serves as fee collection site. Visitor center is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
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.
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