Want to learn more about Valles Caldera's geology, history, wildlife, and more? We invite you to participate in a ranger program during your visit! Valles Caldera National Preserve offers engaging programs all year-round. Check out current and upcoming offerings in the listings below! Special EventsValles Caldera's 10th Birthday PartyDate: Thursday, December 19, 2024Time: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm Location: Ranger Station Come celebrate Valles Caldera National Preserve's 10th anniversary in the National Park Service with a day-long birthday party! There will be party games, cake, birthday card writing, and ranger programs all day long. Happy Bird-day Birding Tour (9:30-11:00 am) Have you ever wondered how birds survive the winter? Go birding with Ranger Gianna and Ranger Corey and spot some common (and not-so-common) birds at Valles Caldera. Marvel at mountain chickadees, ponder pine siskins, and notice northern harriers. Learn about how these birds have adapted to survive cold winter at high elevations and enjoy the pleasures of cold-weather birding. Meet at the Ranger Station at 9:30 am and wear appropriate winter clothing and shoes. Binoculars will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Birthday Cards for Valles Caldera (11:00 am - 12:00 pm) Gather in the Ranger Station to make birthday cards for Valles Caldera National Preserve. Valles Caldera National Preserve has been a National Park Service site for 10 years! Reminisce about your favorite times and plan for fun times to come at Valles Caldera while you make a birthday card for us to display in the Ranger Station. Birthday Cake (12:30-1:00 pm) Sing “Happy Birthday” to your favorite National Preserve and eat some birthday cake to celebrate ten years as an NPS site! An Environmental History of Valles Caldera (1:00-2:00 pm) Learn about the long and complex history of Valles Caldera. Ranger Adam will cover the Ancestral Puebloan period to when Valles Caldera became public. He will discuss how ideas about nature changed over time and the effect of those ideas on the environment. Party Games with Valles Caldera Park Rangers (2:00-4:00 pm) Celebrate Valles Caldera by playing National Park Service-themed party games with the Caldera crew.
Winter FestDate: TBDTime: All day Location: Ranger Station Join us for a day-long event filled with winter wonder and family fun at Valles Caldera's Ranger Station! This event will take place on a Saturday in February. More details to come. Daytime ProgramsEarly Bird Bird TourDates: Every 2nd and 4th Sunday (not offered in December 2024) Designated activities by date: Wildlife PhotographyDates: Every 1st Sunday A hike with a focus on wildlife photography principles and techniques covering Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Jemez Mountains. Spots are limited. Registration required. Registration will open at 8:00 am MST exactly two weeks in advance.
Climate Science Ski TourDates: January 17, February 7 While skiing on groomed trails around the scenic La Jara peak, participants will learn about climate change in the Jemez Mountains. Visitors will learn about two possible scenarios for Valles Caldera’s future climate and the basics of climate science. For this program, participants must bring their own skiing equipment. Classic cross-country skis are recommended. While skate skis are an option, this program will involve frequent stops. The route is approximately 1.4 miles long and flat. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and appropriate winter clothing. Wolves: Past, Present, and Future - Easy Ski ProgramDate: March 7 While skiing on groomed trails around the scenic La Jara peak, participants will learn about the history of wolves in Valles Caldera, the role of wolves in the ecosystem, and the current state of Mexican Gray Wolf recovery program. For this program, participants must bring their own skiing equipment. Classic cross-country skis are recommended. While skate skis are an option, this program will involve frequent stops. The route is approximately 1.4 miles long and flat. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and appropriate winter clothing. Instant Film Photography ProgramDates: Every 3rd Sunday Winter Soundscapes Ski TourDates: January 10, January 31, February 14 Wolves: Past, Present, and Future - Strenuous Ski TourDate: March 14 While skiing from the Ranger Station out to Cerro Pinon and back, participants will learn about the history of wolves in Valles Caldera, the role of wolves in the ecosystem, and the current state of Mexican Gray Wolf recovery program. For this program, participants must bring their own skiing equipment. Classic cross-country skis are recommended. While skate skis are an option, this program will involve stops. The route is approximately 6 miles long with rolling hills. This is a strenuous route at altitude that requires proper hydration, nutrition, and physical conditioning. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and appropriate winter clothing. Evening ProgramsEvening programs are offered year-round in conjunction with the full moon, new moon, and special celestial events. Astrophotography WorkshopsDates: November 30, January 11, March 15 Moonlit HikesDates: December 14, February 15 Stargazing in the CalderaDates: November 30, January 25, March 1 Nearby ProgramsWant to experience more National Park Service interpretive programs during your visit to the Jemez Mountains? Join ranger at neighboring Bandelier National Monument or Manhattan Project National Historical Park, both approximately 30 minutes east of Valles Caldera. |
Last updated: December 19, 2024