Hike the Cerro La Jara Loop

Roxy and Zuma, two leashed dogs, walk side-by-side on the Cerro La Jara Loop.

NPS/G. Farrell

This 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop trail circles Cerro La Jara, the smallest volcanic dome in the park, which formed about 500,000 years ago when lava oozed up and onto the caldera floor. South Mountain, to the west, and Cerro del Medio, on the opposite side of Valle Grande, are also volcanic domes and can be seen from this trail.

The trail passes through a prairie dog colony; they'll be keeping an eye out for you and will make an alarm call as you approach and then scurry underground. Keep an eye out for them (and their large burrows) and their main predator, the coyote. Elk may be present late in the day at the base of South Mountain. There will be a good crop of wildflowers along the trail during the summer monsoon season.

Elevation: 8,497 - 8,545 feet

Details

Duration

1-2 Hours

This loop hike takes visitors an average of one hour to complete.

Activity

Front-Country Hiking

This is an easy, relatively flat loop hike that circles Cerro La Jara, a small volcanic dome that formed about 500,000 years ago. It is a narrow, unpaved trail. Sections of it, particularly on the southwest side of Cerro La Jara, can get marshy, so prepare to get your feet wet if hiking after the spring thaw or during monsoon season.

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

Yes

As of January 1, 2025, a park entrance fee is required to enter Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Location

Cerro La Jara Loop

Park at the Welcome Station. Cerro La Jara Loop begins at the sign between the Welcome Station and the solar panels.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

This is one of the few hiking trails that is accessible year-round at Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Time of Day

Day

Valles Caldera National Preserve is open to vehicular traffic from 9 AM to 5 PM during the winter season and 8 AM to 6 PM during the summer season. Pedestrian traffic can access the park and its trails from dawn to dusk every day.

Accessibility Information

This unpaved, natural surface trail is approximately 18 inches wide. Over 1.5 miles, the elevation range is between 8497 and 8545 feet.

The Cerro La Jara Loop in yellow.

NPS/Monte White and Lauren Ray