Current Conditions

 

Alerts

Park Closure

• Ranger Station closed for renovations

  Alert, Severity, closure, Ranger Station closed for renovationsThe Ranger Station located in the Cabin District is currently closed for renovations.

Information

• Backcountry vehicle route closed for the season

  Alert, Severity, information, Backcountry vehicle route closed for the seasonThe backcountry vehicle route has closed for the season until May 15, 2025. As conditions allow, the route will be maintained as a groomed ski and snowshoe trail from the Cabin District to the horse barn near Cerro Piñon.

• All natural and cultural resources are protected

  Alert, Severity, information, All natural and cultural resources are protectedThe removal of any artifact, antler, obsidian, and other mineral or plant material is strictly prohibited.

• Trail closure for pipeline restoration project

  Alert, Severity, information, Trail closure for pipeline restoration projectThe VC09/South Valle Toledo/Posos Trail from the Valle Toledo parking area to the eastern park boundary is closed for restoration. The NPS is working on a trail reroute for the 2025 season and will provide details as soon as possible.more

 

Valle Grande from the Cabin District

A view into Valle Grande from the Ranger Station.

View Webcam

 

Snow Report

2/19/2025: After several weeks of predominantly above-freezing temperatures and sunshine, Valle Grande is mostly devoid of snow at this time. North-facing slopes and densely forested areas still have up to 6 inches of snow, and trails may be icy. Roads and parking lots are clear.

 

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.

 

Loading weather forecast...

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

Last updated:

Current Conditions

Humidity
Wind Speed
Barometer
Dewpoint
Visibility
Wind Chill

More Weather Information on Weather.gov

Extended Graphical Forecast for This Location

Extended Text Forecast for This Location

 

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.