Snowshoeing in Valles Caldera

Valles Caldera in winter is an excellent place to snowshoe.

NPS Photo

Ever thought how fun it would be to hike in the winter, but there's all that snow? Consider snowshoeing! It's as easy as strapping snowshoes on your boots and grabbing a couple of poles. No training is necessary, and, if you can hike, you can snowshoe. Most preserve trails can be explored with snowshoes. A few pieces of equipment are essential: you will need a pair of snowshoes and waterproof boots. Poles are helpful for maintaining balance, but optional. Waterproof pants or gaiters help keep you warm and dry.

The Valle Grande Entrance Station has a limited number of snowshoes and poles available for rent.
 

Some Important Tips:

• There are no groomed trails. All unplowed roads and trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

• None of the streams have bridges. Carry a USGS topographic map and a compass and know how to use them. Cell coverage is very limited in the backcountry.

• Talk with park rangers before you leave on any trip. Some preserve areas could be closed to skiing or snowshoeing to protect wildlife.

• Include allowances for limited daylight, snow conditions, temperature extremes, and the number of people in the group, their experience and physical condition.

• Learn as much as you can about winter survival.

• Narrow racing skis are great for groomed trails, but provide little surface area to break trail.

• Dress properly and know about layering for severe winter temperatures to prevent chilling and overheating.

• Remember, safety is your responsibility.

• Information EVERY visitor needs to know.

Details

Activity

Snowshoeing

Winter is a spectacular time to visit the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The preserve has miles of trails for the adventurous snowshoer.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are only allowed on the La Jara Loop, Coyote Call, and Valle Grande Entrance Trails. No pets are allowed in the backcountry of the preserve (even if they remain inside the vehicle).

Activity Fee

No

The Valle Grande Bookstore has a limited number of snowshoes and poles available for rent.

Reservations

No

Season

Winter

Snow volume varies from year to year so call the entrance station (575-829-4100, option #3) for current conditions. The ski and snowshoe season usually lasts from mid-December to mid-March. The trails are open all year to hiking, biking, and equestrian riding.

Vehicle access during the winter season is limited to the Valle Grande Contact Station. Backcountry Vehicle Permits are only available during the summer season.

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

The trails and roads are not wheelchair accessible and trails are not plowed for snow.