Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00The entrance fee for a private vehicle covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve.
NM
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Hours
Open daily · 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance Fee
$25.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Trailie
Build your Valles Caldera itinerary
Tell Trailie your dates, pace, and interests — get a day-by-day Valles Caldera National Preserve plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
Valles Caldera at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- 2–4 days
- Don't miss
- Hike the Cerro Abrigo Loop
- Nearby city
- Jemez Springs, NM
Explore this park
About Valles Caldera National Preserve
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.
2 current NPS alerts
- Information: Backcountry route open to vehicles May 15 - November 15
- Information: Trail closure for pipeline restoration project
Source: National Park Service (as of Oct 31, 2026). Official Valles Caldera National Preserve page on nps.gov
Weather Information
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.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00The per-person entrance fee covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Operating Hours
Valle Grande Main Entrance
Valle Grande Main Entrance is located at mile marker 39.2 along New Mexico Highway 4.
- Monday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tuesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wednesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thursday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Friday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Saturday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sunday9:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$45.00Beginning January 1, 2025, visitors may purchase an annual park pass for Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Common questions
Planning Valles Caldera National Preserve
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Valles Caldera. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
