Hiking in Valles Caldera

The backcountry of Valles Caldera has hundreds of miles of hiking areas.

NPS Photo/Conrad Provan

178.9 miles of trail and hiking areas in Valles Caldera are located in the backcountry. To access the backcountry a vehicle permit is required, which are issued daily at the entrance station. There can only be a limited number of vehicles in the backcountry at a given time, so plan your trip accordingly. Once capacity has been reached a waitlist is implemented and backcountry permits can be reiussed as vehicles return to the entrance station.

Know Before you Go

• At this time, pets are prohibited in the majority of the preserve with the exception of service animals. Dogs are allowed on specially designated trails (La Jara, Valle Grande, and Coyote Call) and must be leashed at all times. Dogs are not permitted in vehicles beyond the main entrance station, which is approximately the first two miles of the main entrance road. The Santa Fe National Forest which surrounds the preserve offers even more hiking options for those with pets.
• Even on short day hikes, carry your "ten essentials" including maps, compass, and/or GPS, sun protection, clothing layers, illumination with extra batteries, first aid supplies, repair kits and tools, food, water, and emergency shelter.
• Hunting occurs in some areas of the preserve every spring and fall. Hikers should wear bright colors and use situational awareness during these seasons.
• Remember, safety is your responsibility. Let a friend or family member know your itinerary.

High Elevation Dangers

Much of Valles Caldera is over 8,000 feet in elevation. Even very fit individuals coming from lower elevations may experience altitude problems. Symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, insomnia and rapid heartbeat. After a few days your body will have made some physiological adjustments to higher elevations, but full acclimation may take weeks. To minimize symptoms drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, don't skip meals, and get plenty of rest. Ultraviolet light is stronger in the mountains because there is less atmosphere for the sunlight to pass through. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sun glasses and consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt if you are out in the sun for an extended period of time.

Hiking Seasons and Conditions

The summer season runs from approximately May 15–October 31 (conditions permitting), at which time the backcountry is accessible. Most, but not all, routes require a backcountry permit (see individual hike descriptions for more details) and are thus only accessible during summer season. Several trails that do not require a backcountry permit can also be enjoyed in early spring and late fall, and offer possibilities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. All routes are well above 8,000 feet in elevation, and many are quite exposed and can be potentially hazardous during monsoon season (generally June–August) due to lightning. It is possible to experience all four seasons in one day, and weather conditions can change rapidly, so be sure to be properly equipped with adequate clothing, including rain gear. This landscape has suffered extensive damage from wildfires, so do not linger when passing through a burned area and do not enter a burned area in high winds. Some routes pass through drainages or dry streambeds (arroyos), which can flood without warning.

Water

Due to the high elevation and dry climate, you must drink more water here than in other places, regardless of season. Always carry adequate water (2-3 liters per person per day). There is no drinking water available on the preserve exceot for the bottled water availalle for purchase at the entrance station. Water from East Fork, Jaramillo Creek, San Antonio Creek, and any other springs is not safe to drink. Boil or treat water from these sources before using.

Navigation

The maze of logging and ranching roads of the past create excellent avenues into this beautiful landscape, but navigation can be confusing. Some signage exists, but as a new unit to the National Park Service, Valles Caldera is in the process of developing its trail management and maintenance plan. Improvements to some routes will be made, while others may be decommissioned. For your safety, please take a navigable map and compass or GPS. Be sure to use the map provided by the NPS Mobile app which also has a GPS location navigation point. Be sure to put your device into airplane mode so that you save your valuable battery life. Always have a paper map for backup.

Wildlife

Valles Caldera is home to a wide variety of animals, from the thousands of elk for which it’s famous, to black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, badgers, and prairie dogs, as well as many species of birds, smaller mammals, and reptiles. Do not approach or attempt to touch any wildlife. In the event that you encounter a black bear or mountain lion, raise your arms to appear as large as possible, make a lot of noise, throw rocks, back away slowly, and avoid eye contact. Do not run, and if it charges, stand your ground and fight back.

Details

Activity

Backcountry Hiking

Hiking routes within Valles Caldera range from flat valle strolls to steep climbs. This land has been a private ranch for over 150 years, so the majority of hiking routes follow old logging and ranching roads, passing through open meadows and dense forest, but also areas burned by forest fires. Check with rangers to get up to date trail and weather conditions before heading out. Valles Caldera became public land as a national preserve on July, 25 2000, but on December 19, 2014 became part of the National Park Service.

Pets Allowed

No

At this time, pets are prohibited in the majority of the preserve with the exception of service animals. Dogs are allowed on specially designated trails (La Jara, Valle Grande, and Coyote Call) and must be leashed at all times. Dogs are not permitted in vehicles beyond the main entrance station, which is approximately the first two miles of the main entrance road. The Santa Fe National Forest which surrounds the preserve offers even more hiking options for those with pets

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

The preserve gate opens at 8am and closes at 6pm.

Accessibility Information

The roads and trails in the preserve are not wheelchair accessible.