Scattered clouds over landscape view of winding river and brown grasslands
The views of Valles Caldera are some of nature's best NPS Photo

Valles Caldera National Preserve

National Preserve / Reserve · New Mexico · National Park Service

About 1.2 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created a 14-mile-wide circular depression in the earth now known as Valles Caldera. The preserve is known for its huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. The area also preserves the homeland of ancestral native peoples and embraces a rich ranching history.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
505-670-1612
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Architecture and Building · Archeology · Explorers and Expeditions · Farming and Agriculture · Ranches · Hispanic American Heritage · Industry · Logging and Timber Cutting · Latino American Heritage · Native American Heritage · Schools and Education · Science, Technology and Innovation · Transportation · Tragic Events · Catastrophic Fires · Westward Expansion · Animals · Birds · Cats (wild) · Elk · Fish · Climate Change · Fire · Foothills, Plains and Valleys · Forests and Woodlands · Coniferous Forests · Geology · Groundwater · Freshwater Springs · Geothermal · Grasslands · Meadows · Mountains · Natural Sounds · Night Sky · Astronomy · River and Riparian · Rock Landscapes and Features · Scenic Views · Trails · Unique Species · Rare · Endangered · Volcanoes · Watersheds · Headwaters · Wetlands

Activities & features: Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Mountain Biking · Road Biking · Fishing · Freshwater Fishing · Fly Fishing · Food · Picnicking · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Self-Guided Tours - Auto · Hiking · Backcountry Hiking · Front-Country Hiking · Off-Trail Permitted Hiking · Horse Trekking · Horseback Riding · Hunting and Gathering · Hunting · Junior Ranger Program · Skiing · Cross-Country Skiing · Snowshoeing · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store · Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Photos

  • A coyote walks across a frozen stream in a snowy valley.
    NPS/Corey Lycopolus
  • San Antonio cabin under a mostly cloudy sky
    NPS Photo
  • Two bull elk fighting.
    NPS Photo / Dan Williams

Nearby parks

Parks of New Mexico

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48 parks mapped in New Mexico

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12