Stop 3: Cerro La Jara

Hikers on the Cerro La Jara Loop.

NPS

Quick Facts

Amenities

21 listed

Benches/Seating, Electric Car Charging Station, Entrance Passes for Sale, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid Kit Available, Food/Drink - Snacks, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Pets Allowed, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

Across the road from the Welcome Station is Cerro La Jara. The first recording of the name “La Jara” is found on a map from 1892. There are a few theories as to the origins of the name but the most likely origin comes from the trees of northern New Mexico. Jara is a New Mexico-Spanish name given to reed and willow, specifically the coyote willow plant. There is no indication that this is what Cerro La Jara is named after, but considering that the plant is found throughout Valles Caldera National Preserve, it is a good suggestion that the name originates as a reference to the coyote willow or Jara plant.