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.
Park Entrance - Valle Grande Main Entrance - Summer Season
Current Hours (Labor Day to Memorial Day)
September 2–May 26
Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Winter hours are in effect from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Main Entrance is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Severe winter weather may affect the operating hours.
Standard Hours
Every Day:8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Valle Grande Main Entrance is located at mile marker 39.2 along New Mexico Highway 4. Summer hours are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Please visit Valles Caldera National Preserve's website at www.nps.gov/vall for the most up-to-date information.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Labor Day to Memorial Day
September 2–May 26
Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Winter hours are in effect from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Main Entrance is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Severe winter weather may affect the operating hours.
Holidays
2025–2026
New Year's Day
January 1, 2026
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 19, 2026
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Washington's Birthday
February 16, 2026
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Memorial Day
May 26, 2025
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Labor Day
September 1, 2025
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Columbus Day
October 13, 2025
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Veterans Day
November 11, 2025
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 2025
Closed
Christmas Day
December 25, 2025
Closed
Holiday
Date
Hours
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.
The Welcome Station is your first stop at Valles Caldera National Preserve. Rangers and volunteers are available to answer questions, provide park information, and sell park souvenirs and merchandise. Two accessible, unisex, vault-toilet restrooms are available across the parking lot.
Every Day:9:00 AM–4:45 PM
Open daily throughout the year.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Memorial Day to Labor Day
May 26–September 1
Every Day:8:00 AM–5:45 PM
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Entrance Station's hours of operation are extended to 8 am to 5:45 pm.
Located on the edge of the historic Cabin District, this log cabin contains interactive exhibits and a sales area offering park-related clothing, gifts, books, and a few snacks and beverages. An accessible ramp is available at the building's rear entrance. The building does not have public restrooms, but there are two portable toilets near the parking lot. One of these is wheelchair accessible.
Closed today
Current Hours (2025 Renovations)
January 7–July 20
Every Day:Closed
The Ranger Station will be closed for renovations from January through July 2025.
Standard Hours
Every Day:10:00 AM–4:00 PM
The Volcano Discovery Center may be closed all day or part of the day during ranger programs or due to staffing shortages. Severe winter weather may affect operating hours as well.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
2025 Renovations
January 7–July 20
Every Day:Closed
The Ranger Station will be closed for renovations from January through July 2025.
Holidays
2025–2026
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 19, 2026
Closed
Washington's Birthday
February 16, 2026
Closed
Memorial Day
May 26, 2025
Closed
Juneteenth National Independence Day
June 19, 2025
Closed
Independence Day
July 4, 2025
Closed
Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 2025
Closed
Christmas Day
December 25, 2025
Closed
Holiday
Date
Hours
Public WiFi is not available.
There is no public WiFi available anywhere within the park. Cell service is strongest in the Valle Grande area, although some carriers have little to no access. The majority of the backcountry area has no cell service.
The view across Valle Grande on a summer afternoon.
NPS
Between 30,000 and 76,000 visitors come to Valles Caldera National Preserve each year to hike, bike, fish, hunt, and simply enjoy this southwest geologic gem. The busy season runs from May - October.
Please use the links below to find information on:
Permits and Reservations for recreational activities including backcountry access and guided tours, commercial uses including filming and photography, and special uses such as weddings.
There are no goods and services available within the park. You should bring whatever you will need during your stay, including plenty of water. Nearby communities can fulfill needs for groceries, supplies, and lodging.
Preparing for your visit to Valles Caldera ahead of time will let you spend more time enjoying the scenic beauty of the park once you arrive. Please come prepared for the following:
Changing weather conditions.
Wildlife -- please slow down and use pullouts to watch wildlife and do not approach wildlife.
Very limited cell coverage.
Be bear aware.
Stay on designated trails.
Control your pet. Pets are not allowed on most trails, in the backcountry or along streams.
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
The nearest gas station is 20 miles from the park's main entrance.
Remember, your safety is your responsibility.
Last updated: February 21, 2023
Park footer
Contact Info
Mailing Address:
090 Villa Louis Martin Dr.
Jemez Springs,
NM
87025
Phone:
505-670-1612
Ranger Station (for general park information)
