Valles Caldera National Preserve — New Mexico Highway 4
Jemez Springs, NM Hours and Location

39201 New Mexico Highway 4
Jemez Springs, NM   87025Driving Directions
Phone: (575)829-4100(575)829-4100 Maps & Directions

https://www.nps.gov/vall/planyou...

National Preserve

Operating Hours & Seasons

Valle Grande Main Entrance - Summer Season

Valle Grande main entrance is located at mile marker 39.2 along New Mexico Highway 4. Main Entrance is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Please visit the Valles Caldera National Preserve's website at www.nps.gov/vall for the most up-to-date information.

Standard Hours

• Sunday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM
• Monday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM
• Tuesday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM
• Wednesday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM
• Thursday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM
• Friday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM
• Saturday:8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Valle Grande Main Entrance - Winter Season

Valle Grande main entrance is located at mile marker 39.2 along New Mexico Highway 4. Main Entrance is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Severe winter weather may affect the operating hours. Please visit the Valles Caldera National Preserve's website at www.nps.gov/vall for the most up-to-date information.

Standard Hours

• Sunday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
• Monday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
• Tuesday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
• Wednesday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
• Thursday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
• Friday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
• Saturday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Additional Information View More

• Christmas Day:
• Closed

• Thanksgiving Day:
• Closed

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fees:

• $20.00 - Entrance Fee - By Vehicle
  Non-commercial car, van, pickup truck, motorcycle or RV: $20 per vehicle (no per-person fee)
• $10.00 - Entrance Fee - By Foot, Bicycle, Horse, or Non-commercial Bus
  Entry into the preserve by foot, bicycle, horse, or non-commercial bus: $10 per person aged 16 and older (academic fee waivers may be available for curriculum-based educational trips)

About

The Nation's Newest National Preserve

About 1.25 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 13-mile wide circular depression now known as the 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.

Directions

From Jemez Springs, NM: Follow Highway 4 north. Preserve is about 22 miles from Jemez Springs. Look for the Main Gate at Mile Marker 39.2. From Los Alamos, NM: Take Trinity Drive to Diamond. Take a left on Diamond, then a right on West Jemez Road to the intersection with State Highway 4. Take a right [away from Bandelier National Monument], following the highway up and into the Jemez Mountains.) The Preserve is 18 miles up Highway 4 from Los Alamos. Look for the Main Gate at Mile Marker 39.2.

Visitor Centers

Valle Grande Visitor Center

The Valle Grande Visitor Center has interpretive displays, offers recreational permits, and serves as fee collection site. Visitor center is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas days.

Weather

Each season offers a different experience: lush springs, moderate summers, golden falls, and snowy winters. Average temperatures are 22°F (-6 C) in January and 60°F (16 C) in July. Temperature extremes range from a high of 84°F (29 C) in summer to -30°F (-34C) in winter. Precipitation is heavier during summer monsoon rains (thunderstorms) in July and August and winter snowstorms in December through March. Higher elevation lends to much cooler temperatures than nearby Albuquerque.

Permits and Reservations Information