Accessibility

 

EnChroma colorblind spotting scopes on the front porch of the Entrance Station.

NPS/Dave Krueger

Facilities

By using principles of universal design, Valles Caldera is committed to providing physical access to the greatest number of individuals. From designing and building new facilities to the rehabilitation of older buildings, accessibility is a key component of all projects.

Entrance Station

The Entrance Station is wheelchair-accessible. Assistance may be needed to pass over threshold onto the access ramp and over the door threshold. Wheelchair-accessible, colorblind spotting scopes are available on the front porch.

Backcountry Vehicle Gate

If needed, please ask a ranger to assist with opening the backcountry vehicle gate located at Cerro Pinon.

Ranger Station

The Ranger Station is currently not wheelchair-accessible. However, we are proposing improvements for 2024 that include an accessible ramp.

Restrooms

Two vault toilets are located across the parking lot from the Entrance Station. The gravel parking lot is not graded for accessibility. Both vault toilets are wheelchair-accessible.

There is an accessible porta-potty near the Ranger Station, as well as several along the backcountry vehicle route in Valle San Antonio. The approach to these facilities are not graded for accessibility, so assistance may be required.

 

Pedestrian Pass-throughs

In 2020, five pedestrian pass-throughs were built at five locations along the border of the park:

• Main vehicle entrance: 36" width H-type
• Banco Bonito: 36" width H-type
• VC-0401 (Two Track Across Valle Grande Trailhead): 36" width H-type
• Redondo Meadow: 29" width V-type*
• Sulphur Canyon: 28" width V-type*

*-Due to the terrain and limited space available, these pass-throughs are not a full 36" wide. Visitors seeking additional accommodation to access Redondo Meadow and Sulphur Canyon may contact us at least 24 hours in advance to arrange entry and exit assistance from a park ranger.

 

Publications

The park's official map and guide is also available in Braille and large-print. Please stop by either the park's Entrance Station or Ranger Station to pick up a copy.

 

Service Animals

Service animals that meet the ADA definition of a service animal are permitted in Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Owners are encouraged to identify their working service animal, such as with a vest. There are no plastic bags provided at trailheads for animal waste, so please bring your own and clean up after your service animal.

 

Trails

Trails at Valles Caldera are not currently graded for accessibility. Because Valles Caldera's trails are old logging and ranch roads, trail substrate varies from dirt and gravel to overgrown grass.

 

Working to Improve Access for All

Valles Caldera National Preserve welcomes everyone and seeks to create an inclusive environment for all to experience. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about accessibility.

U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities qualify for the Interagency Access Pass, which provides free or discounted access to over 2,000 Federal recreation sites.