Valles Caldera National Preserve

How to Get There

From Los Alamos (36 mi): Take NM-501 west to NM-4, then follow NM-4 through the Jemez Mountains for approximately 18 miles until reaching the main entrance along Highway 4.

Overview

Valles Caldera (or Jemez Caldera) is a 13.7-mile (22.0 km) wide volcanic caldera in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. Hot springs, streams, fumaroles, natural gas seeps and volcanic domes dot the caldera floor landscape. The highest point in the caldera is Redondo Peak, an 11,253-foot (3,430 m) resurgent lava dome located entirely within the caldera. Also within the caldera are several grass valleys, or valles, the largest of which is Valle Grande, the only one accessible by a paved road. Much of the caldera is within the Valles Caldera National Preserve, a unit of the National Park System. In 1975, Valles Caldera was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.

The circular topographic rim of the caldera measures 13.7 miles (22.0 km) in diameter. The caldera and surrounding volcanic structures are one of the most thoroughly studied caldera complexes in the United States.

Over two dozen official hiking and biking trails of varying length are available.

Explore the Valle Grande

The sweeping grasslands of Valle Grande are the heart of the preserve and one of its most breathtaking features. Visitors can drive or hike through this vast meadow, surrounded by forested volcanic domes and high peaks, offering excellent opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, and scenic sightseeing throughout the year.

Go Hiking and Biking

The preserve offers a wide network of trails for hiking and mountain biking across open meadows, forests, and volcanic landscapes. Trails range from easy walks to more challenging backcountry routes, allowing visitors to explore the terrain shaped by ancient volcanic activity while enjoying expansive views of the caldera environment.

Drive the Scenic Backcountry Loop

A permitted backcountry loop road allows visitors to experience remote areas of the preserve by vehicle. This route passes through multiple valleys and provides access to more secluded parts of the caldera, offering a deeper look at its diverse landscapes and ecosystems.

Visit the Volcano Discovery Center

The Volcano Discovery Center features interactive exhibits explaining the formation of the caldera and its unique geology. Visitors can learn about the massive volcanic eruption that created the landscape, along with the area’s ecological and cultural history, before heading out to explore.

This article uses material from the official National Park Service pages for Valles Caldera National Preserve, as well as supporting travel and park resources including Basic Information - Valles Caldera National Preserve, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Passes, Visit Los Alamos Guide, and Visitor Guide to Valles Caldera National Preserve.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Valles Caldera", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0