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

Trails & hiking

Biking · Mountain Biking · Hiking · Horseback Riding · Snowshoeing

Know before you go

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

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

Things to do

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 · Road Biking · Fishing · Freshwater Fishing · Fly Fishing · Food · Picnicking · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Self-Guided Tours - Auto · Backcountry Hiking · Front-Country Hiking · Off-Trail Permitted Hiking · Horse Trekking · Hunting and Gathering · Hunting · Junior Ranger Program · Skiing · Cross-Country Skiing · 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

Sumner Lake State ParkCaballo Lake State ParkWhite Sands National ParkRockhound State ParkEl Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic TrailBrantley Lake State ParkEl Malpais National MonumentNavajo Lake State ParkStorrie Lake State ParkAztec Ruins National MonumentPancho Villa State ParkElephant Butte Lake State ParkFort Union National MonumentManhattan Project National Historical ParkCity of Rocks State ParkOliver Lee Memorial State ParkChaco Culture National Historical ParkBluewater Lake State ParkBandelier National MonumentUte Lake State ParkBottomless Lakes State ParkClayton Lake State Park & Dinosaur TrackwaysCapulin Volcano National MonumentPetroglyph National MonumentSanta Rosa Lake State ParkPecos National Historical ParkSalinas Pueblo Missions National MonumentMorphy Lake State ParkEl Vado Lake State ParkCarlsbad Caverns National ParkVillanueva State ParkPercha Dam State ParkCimarron Canyon State ParkConchas Lake State ParkEl Morro National MonumentManzano Mountains State ParkOasis State ParkFenton Lake State ParkPecos Canyon State ParkLeasburg Dam State ParkSugarite Canyon State ParkCoyote Creek State ParkHeron Lake State ParkHyde Memorial State ParkGila Cliff Dwellings National MonumentEagle Nest Lake State ParkCerrillos Hills State Park

48 parks mapped in New Mexico

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Guides for the trip

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