Nearby Campgrounds
§ 02 — OVERVIEW
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.
§ 03 — LOCATION
Directions
From Jemez Springs, NM: Follow NM-4 north. The Preserve is about 22 miles from Jemez Springs. Look for the Main Gate and signs 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 NM-4. Take a right [away from Bandelier National Monument], following the highway up and into the Jemez Mountains. The Preserve is 18 miles up NM-4 from Los Alamos. Look for the Main Gate and signs at Mile Marker 39.2.
Weather Notes
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.
§ 06 — CONDITIONS
National Weather Service · seven-day outlook · updated hourly
§ 07 — SIGNAL
FCC broadband data · actual signal varies in remote terrain
§ 08—11 — FROM THE FIELD
Community Intel from visitors, written reviews, dated trip reports, and reader-submitted photographs.
§ 09 — REVIEWS
§ 10 — TRIP REPORTS
§ 11 — COMMUNITY PHOTOS
§ 04 — AMENITIES
Entrance - Private Vehicle
The entrance fee for a private vehicle covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
The per-person entrance fee covers seven consecutive days of entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve.
§ 05 — TRAILS NEARBY
Nearby Trails
Sign in to add your own photos.
No community photos yet — be the first to share one from your visit.
§ 01 — VITALS
Sign the ledger to file a review.
Trip Reports
0 reports
No cell coverage detected at this coordinate.
Sun
83°F
Mostly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
0 mph
Mon
82°F
Mostly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
0 to 5 mph NW
Tue
83°F
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 to 5 mph SW
Wed
81°F
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 mph
Thu
83°F
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
0 mph
Fri
82°F
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
0 to 5 mph E
Sat
81°F
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 mph