From dawn to dusk every day of the year, you can explore the park through pedestrian pass-through gates. These gates are located at
- Main Entrance: Located adjacent to the vehicular entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve, a pedestrian pass-through gate allows access to the Valle Grande area of the park. Hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing are allowed through this entrance.
- Rabbit Mountain Trailhead: Located off New Mexico Highway 4 near mile marker 40.8, this entrance provides access to trails in the southeast corner of the park. Hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing are allowed through this entrance.
- South Valle Grande Trailhead: Located off New Mexico Highway 4 near mile marker 42.8, this entrance provides access to trails located in the southeast corner of the preserve. Hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing are allowed through this entrance.
- Banco Bonito Trailhead: Located off New Mexico Highway 4 near mile-marker 30, this entrance provides access to trails located in the southwest corner of the park.
- Rincon Trailhead: Located off New Mexico Highway 4 just east of the Coyote Call Trailhead. Enjoy hiking and biking through this entrance.
- Redondo Creek Trailhead: Located off New Mexico Highway 4 a little bit east of Sulphur Creek Road, this entrance provides access to trails in the southwestern part of the park. Enjoy hiking and biking through this entrance.
- Sulphur Creek Trailhead: Located down Sulphur Creek Road (Forest Service Road 105), this entrance provides access to trails in the western part of the park. Enjoy hiking and biking through this entrance.
Learn about the accessibility of the gates and other accessibility efforts going on at the park on the Accessibility page.
Motorized Vehicles
Motorized vehicles can travel into the park via the Main Entrance almost every day of the year from 9 am to 5 pm. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the park is open to motorized vehicles from 8 am to 6 pm.
The scheduled days when the vehicle gate is closed:
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
When dangerous driving conditions exist in the park, particularly during the winter season, the vehicle entrance is subject to closure or delayed opening. Check our Current Conditions webpage for any park closures, delays, or information that may affect your visit.
Backcountry Vehicle Route
From May 15 to November 15, the park's backcountry can be reached by motorized vehicle. A backcountry vehicle pass obtained from Recreation.gov is required. The route goes from the Cabin District on the northern side of Valle Grande, through the central part of the park, and up into Valle San Antonio and Valle Toledo (conditions permitting).
Visitor Services
There are two main visitor service facilities in Valles Caldera National Preserve:
