Front-country Experience

 

Valles Caldera National Preserve is home to volcanic features, diverse high-elevation ecosystems, an abundance of wildlife, and a rich cultural history extending back more than 10,000 years and continuing today. All of this and more can be experienced within the front-country of the park.

 

A map of Valles Caldera's front-country roads, trails, and landmarks.

NPS/M. Shelley

 

Here are just some of the activities you can experience when visiting the front-country:

• Discover the tectonic processes that caused the volcanic eruptions that sculpted the landscape
• Explore the Cerro la Jara lava dome
• Observe a diverse array of wildlife, such as elk, coyotes, kestrels, prairie dogs, and bluebirds
• Walk through an expansive, high-elevation prairie
• Walk through an old-growth ponderosa pine forest
• Learn about the deep human history that goes back more than 10,000 years
• Connect with family and friends in an awe-inspiring location
• Watch monsoon storms roll across Valle Grande
• Look for evidence of past human activity, from the carving obsidian tools to sheepherding and cattle-ranching
• Listen to nature or tune into quiet
• Observe the majesty of the night sky
• Explore the park through the camera lens, painting canvas, or poetic words
• Witness the impacts of human on the ecosystem
• Support the park by volunteering, donating, or shopping in the park store
• In the summer, join a ranger program to learn more about this natural and cultural gem
• Go for a hike or ride
• In the winter, explore by skis or snowshoes
• Fish the East Fork Jemez River or Jaramillo Creek

 

Front-country Tips

• From dawn to dusk every day you can explore the front-country via the pedestrian pass-through gates along New Mexico Route 4.
• Valle Grande is the primary part of the front-country.
• Pets are allowed on the Cerro la Jara Trail, Coyote Call Trail, and Valle Grande Trail.