Valles Caldera National Preserve
Hours
See this week's hours below.
- Entrance fee
- $25 · private vehicle
- Phone
- 505-670-1612
- Address
- 39201 New Mexico Highway 4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
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 preserves the homeland of ancestral native peoples and embraces a rich ranching history.
Hours
Valle Grande Main Entrance
Valle Grande Main Entrance is located at mile marker 39.2 along New Mexico Highway 4.
| Monday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Changes to these hours
- Thanksgiving Day, Nov 26: Closed
- Christmas Day, Dec 25: Closed
- Summer Hours, May 31 to Sep 7, 2027: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entrance fees
| Private Vehicle | $25 | The entrance fee for a private vehicle covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve. |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | $20 | Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. |
| Per Person | $15 | The per-person entrance fee covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve. |
An America the Beautiful pass covers the entrance fee at every site that charges one.
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.
Things to do
Astronomy, Backcountry Hiking, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Food, Freshwater Fishing, Front-Country Hiking, Gift Shop and Souvenirs, Guided Tours, Hiking, Horse Trekking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Hunting and Gathering, Junior Ranger Program, Mountain Biking, Off-Trail Permitted Hiking, Picnicking, Road Biking, Self-Guided Tours - Auto, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Shopping, Skiing, Snowshoeing, Stargazing, Wildlife Watching.
Source: National Park Service data feed, checked September 24, 2026. Hours shown are the Park Service's posted standard hours plus any date changes it lists. Official page for Valles Caldera ↗