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Valle Grande from the Cabin District

A view into Valle Grande from the Ranger Station.

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Snow Report

1/17/2025: Average snow depth in Valle Grande is 3-4 inches. This is still a bit too shallow for cross-country skiing, but we do recommend either microspikes or snowshoes on trails in these conditions. The park entrance road and parking lots are snow-covered, and New Mexico State Route 4 leading to the park entrance has some icy spots. Vehicles with 4WD or AWD are recommended.

 

A yellow snowplow blows snow off of the Valles Caldera entrance road, January 2024.

Courtesy of Stan Ford

Road Conditions

During the winter season, road conditions in the Jemez Mountains can be treacherous. New Mexico State Route 4 can be snow-packed and icy for days or even weeks at a time, making it difficult to get to Valles Caldera National Preserve.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation offers an online resource that displays real-time road conditions and closures along state highways: NM Roads. Drivers are encouraged to consult this resource before driving to Valles Caldera in the winter months. Park-specific closures, delays, and alerts are posted on our park website and social media pages.

For drivers accessing Valles Caldera from the east (Santa Fe/Los Alamos), please exercise caution at "The Chute," which is the stretch of NM State Route 4 from the Valle Grande Trailhead to the park entrance gate. This stretch of highway is notorious for blowing snow, ice sheets, and snowdrifts. For drivers accessing Valles Caldera from the west (Albuquerque/Jemez Springs), be especially careful from Dark Canyon to the park entrance gate.

 

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Weather

See current weather data from climate stations throughout the park: Valles Caldera National Preserve Climate Stations (dri.edu).

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Lat: 35.8643895222049 Long: -106.51895703852756

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Fire

During monsoon season, lightning-ignited fires are quite common at Valles Caldera National Preserve. Please be aware of the forecast before you head out on a long-distance adventure. If you spot a fire in the park, please report it to a park ranger.

 

Human Health

 

What to Know

COVID-19

The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In areas CDC identifies as HIGH COVID-19 community level, masks are required in NPS buildings regardless of vaccination status. In LOW and MEDIUM COVID-19 community level areas, masks are optional. Signs at park buildings share the current status.

When recreating, please follow state health orders and recreate responsibly by physical distancing, wearing a face covering when physical distance cannot be maintained, avoiding high risk activities, and staying home if you feel sick.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Hantavirus

This is a rare but serious disease that humans can contract through contact with infected rodents or their urine, saliva, blood, or droppings. Reduce exposure by staying out of structures not open to the public.

Learn more at the CDC's web page on hantavirus.

Plague

Fleas, which transmit bubonic plague, are present throughout the Gunnison's prairie dog colonies at Valles Caldera National Preserve. Reduce exposure by keeping your distance from prairie dogs.

Learn more at the CDC's web pages on plague.