Ancient Seas

Come and experience an immersive simulation of the Valles Caldera eruption! Every hour on the half-hour, the Volcano Discovery Center "erupts" with a multisensory exhibit experience that showcases the past 1.2 million years of geologic history at Valles Caldera. Feel the rumble and quaking of the earth. Hear the explosive volcanic forces that created the 14-mile-wide caldera. Watch the lakes and lava domes appear. At the end of the show, bask in a newfound understanding of this unique landscape, and continue to learn and discover more by interacting with the immersive Valles Caldera exhibit. WARNING: This show includes loud explosion sound effects and flashing lights. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, we recommend visiting the Volcano Discovery Center after the show has concluded (at :35 past the hour). Ask a park ranger about how to experience a sensory-friendly version of the eruption show!

Join a park ranger for plant meditation in Valle Grande! Go on a short hike and use specialized equipment to listen to the electrical signals plants give off set to music and learn about bio-sonification. The hike will be ~1 mile and include a 20-minute meditation.

For at least 12,000 years, travelers have been captivated by the beauty and abundance of Valles Caldera. This volcanic landscape in the Jemez Mountains holds an undeniable allure that can be witnessed only by peering in from the edge. Featuring original artwork by Valles Caldera National Preserve's former artists in residence, Caldera Reverie: Artistic Visions from a Volcanic Landscape celebrates the universal connection between humans and the natural world. This traveling art exhibit will be on display at Jemez Fine Art in Jemez Springs from October 16-29. Free entry; gallery hours are 11 am to 4 pm, Wednesday thru Monday (closed Tuesdays).

Caldera Reverie: Artistic Visions from a Volcanic Landscape is a love letter to the sleeping supervolcano in our backyard. This two-week-long exhibition at Jemez Fine Art features original pieces by 8 past and present artists in residence at Valles Caldera National Preserve: Rachel Black, Spencer Creighton, John Decker, Mark Dyke, Heather Heckel, Emily McIlroy, Mary Roalstad, & Jim Weaver. Please join us for an opening reception on Saturday, October 17, from 1-4 pm. We will have interactive art demos including make-and-take relief prints, a collaborative rug tufting project, tooled leather printmaking, and armature building for wildlife sculpture. Come for the exhibition; stay for the fun!

Learn the basics of photography and compositional recommendations using an instant film camera, all while exploring Valles Caldera. A camera and film will be provided, but exposures will be limited to 2 per person. If you want to take more than two photos, you can purchase your own film to use (Polaroid i-Type, color or black & white) and can bring your own instant film camera as well. The program is approximately 1 hour in duration. Spots are limited. Registration required.

A hike with a focus on wildlife photography principles and techniques covering the frontcountry of Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Jemez Mountains. The hiking portion will be between 1-4 miles depending on location for the day. All camera types are welcome (SLR, DSLR, Mirrorless, Mobile). The program will begin outside the Volcano Discovery Center at 9am and will carvan to trail location at 9:15am, with no exceptions.

A hike with a focus on wildlife photography principles and techniques covering the frontcountry of Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Jemez Mountains. The hiking portion will be between 1-4 miles depending on location for the day. All camera types are welcome (SLR, DSLR, Mirrorless, Mobile). The program will begin outside the Volcano Discovery Center at 10:00 am.

Join a park ranger for a hike with a focus on wildlife photography principles and techniques covering the frontcountry of Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Jemez Mountains. The hiking portion will be between 1-4 miles depending on location for the day. All camera types are welcome (SLR, DSLR, Mirrorless, Mobile). The program will begin outside the Volcano Discovery Center at 10:00 am and will carvan to trail location at 10:15 am, with no exceptions.

Learn the basics of photography and compositional recommendations using an instant film camera, all while exploring Valles Caldera. A camera and film will be provided, but exposures will be limited to 2 per person. If you want to take more than two photos, you can purchase your own film to use (Polaroid i-Type, color or black & white) and can bring your own instant film camera as well. The program is approximately 1 hour in duration. Spots are limited. Registration required.

A hike with a focus on wildlife photography principles and techniques covering the frontcountry of Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Jemez Mountains. The hiking portion will be between 1-4 miles depending on location for the day. All camera types are welcome (SLR, DSLR, Mirrorless, Mobile). The program will begin outside the Volcano Discovery Center at 9am and will carvan to trail location at 9:15am, with no exceptions.

Learn the basics of photography and compositional recommendations using an instant film camera, all while exploring Valles Caldera. A camera and film will be provided, but exposures will be limited to 2 per person. If you want to take more than two photos, you can purchase your own film to use (Polaroid i-Type, color or black & white) and can bring your own instant film camera as well. The program is approximately 1 hour in duration. Spots are limited. Registration required.