Valles Caldera National Preserve
122 nearby · 13 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS Photo
2 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- InformationBackcountry route open to vehicles May 15 - November 15Valles 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.
- InformationTrail closure for pipeline restoration projectThe 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.
At a glance
- Entrance
- $25 per vehicle
- Near the park
- 122 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 13 sitesWithin 50 mi
- Annual pass
- $45Valles Caldera only
Where to camp
Camping near the park 122
- Aerial viewCampground
Camp May
7.0 mi · Los Alamos, NM
- Public Land
Redondo Campground
7.1 mi · La Cueva, NM
Free and dispersed nearby 13
See them on the map- Camp site (BLM)Cundiyo, NM34 mi
- Camp site (BLM)Cundiyo, NM34 mi
- Camp site (BLM)Cundiyo, NM34 mi
- Camp site (BLM)Cundiyo, NM34 mi
- Camp site (BLM)Cundiyo, NM34 mi
- Camp site (BLM)Cundiyo, NM34 mi
Services nearby: 1 dump station · 5 rest areas
About Valles Caldera
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…
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.
Photos: NPS/Corey Lycopolus · NPS Photo · NPS Photo / Dan Williams
Things to do
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Food
Plan your visit
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…
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…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Private vehicle$25
- Motorcycle, 7 days$20
- Per person$15
- Valles Caldera annual pass$45
Hours
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.
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.
Camped at Valles Caldera? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose.