Ranger-led Activities

 

A ranger speaks to a group during a guided hike in Valle Grande.

NPS/Corey Lycopolus

 

 

Want to learn more about Valles Caldera's geology, history, wildlife, and more? We invite you to participate in a ranger program during your visit! Valles Caldera National Preserve offers engaging programs all year-round. Check out current and upcoming offerings in the listings below!

Daytime Programs

Early Bird Bird Tour

Dates: Every 2nd and 4th Sunday
Time: 8:00 am to 10:30 am
Location: Meet at the main park entrance (NM-4)

Join a ranger and go on a self-propelled birding adventure in Valles Caldera! This program is open to all skill levels. Please come prepared for the designated activity on your program date (hiking, biking, skiing/snowshoeing). Designated activities for each date are outlined below.

Binoculars are available to rent if you do not own a pair. Please arrive at the main gate on NM-4 at 8:00 am, and from there, participants will caravan to the starting location. Trail difficulty will range from easy to moderate. Expect to be out on the trail for 1-2 hours. Please bring a small snack, water, and wear comfortable clothes that are weather-appropriate and shoes to hike short distances (1-3 miles) or bike up to 10 miles.

Designated activities by date:
2nd Sunday (May-October): Hike
4th Sunday (May-October): Bike/e-bike
2nd & 4th Sundays (November to April): Snowshoeing or XC skiing

Climate Science Ski Tour

Dates: January 17, February 7
Times: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Location: Begins at the Entrance Station

While skiing on groomed trails around the scenic La Jara peak, participants will learn about climate change in the Jemez Mountains. Visitors will learn about two possible scenarios for Valles Caldera’s future climate and the basics of climate science.

For this program, participants must bring their own skiing equipment. Classic cross-country skis are recommended. While skate skis are an option, this program will involve frequent stops. The route is approximately 1.4 miles long and flat. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and appropriate winter clothing.

No registration required. Just show up at the Entrance Station with your skis a few minutes before 10:00 am!

Wolves: Past, Present, and Future - Easy Ski Program

Date: March 7
Times: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Location: Begins at the Entrance Station

While skiing on groomed trails around the scenic La Jara peak, participants will learn about the history of wolves in Valles Caldera, the role of wolves in the ecosystem, and the current state of Mexican Gray Wolf recovery program.

For this program, participants must bring their own skiing equipment. Classic cross-country skis are recommended. While skate skis are an option, this program will involve frequent stops. The route is approximately 1.4 miles long and flat. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and appropriate winter clothing.

No registration required. Just show up at the Entrance Station with your skis a few minutes before 10:00 am!

Instant Film Photography Program

Dates: November 17, December 15, and January 19
Times: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Location: Begins at the Ranger Station

Learn the basics of photography and compositional recommendations using an instant film camera, all while exploring Valles Caldera. A camera and film will be provided, but exposures will be limited to 2 per person. If you want to take more than two photos, you can purchase your own film to use (Polaroid i-Type, color or black & white) and can bring your own instant film camera as well. The program is approximately 1 hour in duration.

Spots are limited. Registration required. Registration will open at 8:00 am MST exactly two weeks in advance.

• Register for November 17
• Register for December 15
• Register for January 19

Winter Soundscapes Ski Tour

Dates: January 10, January 31, February 14
Times: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Begins at the Entrance Station

Join a park ranger for a guided winter tour of Valles Caldera National Preserve. Listen to the sounds of Valles Caldera in the winter and learn about why experiencing nature's soundscape reveals much about the ecosystem. Participants will awaken their senses to the sounds of nature and learn about the forest ecology of Valles Caldera.

For this program, guests must bring their own skiing equipment. Rugged cross-country skis or light telemark and alpine touring setups are recommended with fish scale patterns or skins. Split boards are also fine. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and appropriate winter clothing. Depending on snow conditions and guest wishes, the tour will leave from the Valles Caldera Entrance Station and head out to History Grove, returning via South Mountain for a 4-5 mile loop. This is a strenuous route at altitude that requires proper hydration, nutrition, and physical conditioning. For a less physically demanding experience, please sign up for one of the programs around La Jara.

Spots are limited. Registration required. Registration will open at 8:00 am MST exactly two weeks in advance.

• Register for January 10
• Register for January 31
• Register for February 14

Wolves: Past, Present, and Future - Strenuous Ski Tour

Date: March 14
Times: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Begins at the Ranger Station

While skiing from the Ranger Station out to Cerro Pinon and back, participants will learn about the history of wolves in Valles Caldera, the role of wolves in the ecosystem, and the current state of Mexican Gray Wolf recovery program.

For this program, participants must bring their own skiing equipment. Classic cross-country skis are recommended. While skate skis are an option, this program will involve stops. The route is approximately 6 miles long with rolling hills. This is a strenuous route at altitude that requires proper hydration, nutrition, and physical conditioning. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and appropriate winter clothing.

Spots are limited. Registration required. Registration will open at 8:00 am MST exactly two weeks in advance.

• Register for March 14

 

Night Sky Programs

Night sky programs are offered year-round in conjunction with the full moon, new moon, and special celestial events.

Astrophotography Workshops

Dates: November 30, January 11, March 15

With Valles Caldera National Preserve (an International Dark Sky Park) as an outdoor classroom, park volunteers Stan Ford and Richard Gonzales will guide program participants through the basics of astrophotography. Learn how to adjust and optimize DSLR camera settings, select a shooting location, and, of course, shoot spectacular images of the night sky.

Spots are limited. Registration required. Registration will open at 8:00 am MST exactly two weeks in advance.

• Register for November 30
• Register for January 11
• Register for March 15

Moonlit Hikes

Dates: December 14, February 15

Experience Valles Caldera illuminated by the full moon during a hike around Cerro La Jara with a park ranger. Participants will discover the nocturnal wonders of the park on this 2-hour, 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike. Depending on snow conditions, snowshoes will be available for rent.

Spots are limited. Registration required. Registration will open at 8:00 am MST exactly two weeks in advance.

• Register for December 14
• Register for February 15

Stargazing in the Caldera

Dates: November 30, January 25, March 1

Take in the majesty of the celestial sky and learn about the stars, constellations, and planetary bodies in this International Dark Sky Park. Registration required. Meet at the park's main entrance 15-30 minutes before the start of the program. Bring water, snacks, a red light, telescope, and your own seating. Wear warm clothing. 1.5 hours. Program will be cancelled if inclement weather or cloud cover is forecast.

Registration links will activate at 8:00 AM MST exactly two weeks in advance.

• Register for November 30
• Register for January 25
• Register for March 1

 

National Public Lands Day 2022 participants removed sandbags that protected the Cabin District from flash flooding and landslides following the Thompson Ridge Fire.

NPS

National Public Lands Day

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Each September, come support the park and spend a day volunteering and exploring beautiful Valles Caldera. We offer different ways to celebrate the connection between people and green space in their community, inspire environmental stewardship, and encourage use of open spaces for education, recreation, and health benefits.

Volunteer Projects

Give a morning of your time to help improve the experience at Valles Caldera. For 2024, we have the following volunteer opportunities:

• Bumper log construction
• Litter pickup along NM-4
• Picnic table construction
• Plant biomass collection

Details

• Project meeting time and location: 9:00 am at the park's Entrance Station
• Duration: 4 hours

Looking for more ways to get involved at Valles Caldera? Check out Volunteer - Valles Caldera National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

Yoga in the Park

A ranger-led gentle yoga class outdoors overlooking the majestic Valle Grande gives visitors a chance to experience the healing benefits of public lands. Meet at the Ranger Station at 1:00 pm. Please bring your own yoga mat and dress appropriately for an outdoor session.

 

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Nearby Programs

Want to experience more National Park Service interpretive programs during your visit to the Jemez Mountains? Join ranger at neighboring Bandelier National Monument or Manhattan Project National Historical Park, both approximately 30 minutes east of Valles Caldera.

• Bandelier National Monument
• Manhattan Project National Historical Park

 

 

School Programs

Teachers, how would you like to have a huge herd of elk, blooming wildflowers, historic and cultural artifacts, and a world-renowned caldera as your classroom?

Email us today to arrange a ranger-led field trip.