Last updated: February 13, 2025
Thing to Do
Take a Scenic Drive through Valle Grande
NPS/Irene Owsley
The Valles Caldera Entrance Road is a scenic, four-mile-long gravel road through the heart of Valle Grande. This drive offers outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities, volcanic vistas, and several places to get out and explore on foot.
The road begins at Valles Caldera National Preserve's main entrance near mile marker 33 on New Mexico State Route 4. An orientation sign at the main entrance shares important information about the park and the incredible volcanic landscape before you. This is also a great place to watch for Rocky Mountain elk grazing in the distance, particularly in the morning and early evening. About a mile down the road, you'll cross over the East Fork Jemez River, which is a popular photo spot. Around mile 2, you'll come to Valles Caldera's welcome station and fee booth. Stop here to pay your entrance fee, use the restroom, speak with a ranger, shop the park store, and get a park map. There are also two viewing scopes on the front porch of the welcome station. Can you spot any elk, eagles, or coyotes?
As you leave the parking lot and continue down the road, keep an eye out for Gunnison's prairie dogs crossing in front of your tires. Another two miles down the road, you'll reach the historic Cabin District, which was the center of ranching operations on this land for nearly 100 years. A short walking trail leads visitors through the Cabin District. Interpretive signs along the way share stories of this property's ranching legacy. Stop into the Volcano Discovery Center to experience a state-of-the-art interactive exhibit (coming July 2025) and grab a Junior Ranger activity booklet and badge.
The roadway beyond the Cabin District requires a backcountry vehicle pass. There are 40 passes issued per day. Pedestrian and bicycle use of the backcountry route does not require a pass.
The road begins at Valles Caldera National Preserve's main entrance near mile marker 33 on New Mexico State Route 4. An orientation sign at the main entrance shares important information about the park and the incredible volcanic landscape before you. This is also a great place to watch for Rocky Mountain elk grazing in the distance, particularly in the morning and early evening. About a mile down the road, you'll cross over the East Fork Jemez River, which is a popular photo spot. Around mile 2, you'll come to Valles Caldera's welcome station and fee booth. Stop here to pay your entrance fee, use the restroom, speak with a ranger, shop the park store, and get a park map. There are also two viewing scopes on the front porch of the welcome station. Can you spot any elk, eagles, or coyotes?
As you leave the parking lot and continue down the road, keep an eye out for Gunnison's prairie dogs crossing in front of your tires. Another two miles down the road, you'll reach the historic Cabin District, which was the center of ranching operations on this land for nearly 100 years. A short walking trail leads visitors through the Cabin District. Interpretive signs along the way share stories of this property's ranching legacy. Stop into the Volcano Discovery Center to experience a state-of-the-art interactive exhibit (coming July 2025) and grab a Junior Ranger activity booklet and badge.
The roadway beyond the Cabin District requires a backcountry vehicle pass. There are 40 passes issued per day. Pedestrian and bicycle use of the backcountry route does not require a pass.
Details
Duration
30-90 Minutes
Activity
Scenic Driving
The Valles Caldera Entrance Road is a scenic, four-mile-long gravel road through the heart of Valle Grande. This drive offers outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities, volcanic vistas, and several places to get out and explore on foot.
The road begins at Valles Caldera National Preserve's main entrance near mile marker 33 on New Mexico State Route 4. An orientation sign at the main entrance shares important information about the park and the incredible volcanic landscape before you. This is also a great place to watch for Rocky Mountain elk grazing in the distance, particularly in the morning and early evening. About a mile down the road, you'll cross over the East Fork Jemez River, which is a popular photo spot. Around mile 2, you'll come to Valles Caldera's welcome station and fee booth. Stop here to pay your entrance fee, use the restroom, speak with a ranger, shop the park store, and get a park map. There are also two viewing scopes on the front porch of the welcome station. Can you spot any elk, eagles, or coyotes?
As you leave the parking lot and continue down the road, keep an eye out for Gunnison's prairie dogs crossing in front of your tires. Another two miles down the road, you'll reach the historic Cabin District, which was the center of ranching operations on this land for nearly 100 years. A short walking trail leads visitors through the Cabin District. Interpretive signs along the way share stories of this property's ranching legacy. Stop into the Volcano Discovery Center to experience a state-of-the-art interactive exhibit (coming July 2025) and grab a Junior Ranger activity booklet and badge.
The roadway beyond the Cabin District requires a backcountry vehicle pass. There are 40 passes issued per day. Pedestrian and bicycle use of the backcountry route does not require a pass.
The road begins at Valles Caldera National Preserve's main entrance near mile marker 33 on New Mexico State Route 4. An orientation sign at the main entrance shares important information about the park and the incredible volcanic landscape before you. This is also a great place to watch for Rocky Mountain elk grazing in the distance, particularly in the morning and early evening. About a mile down the road, you'll cross over the East Fork Jemez River, which is a popular photo spot. Around mile 2, you'll come to Valles Caldera's welcome station and fee booth. Stop here to pay your entrance fee, use the restroom, speak with a ranger, shop the park store, and get a park map. There are also two viewing scopes on the front porch of the welcome station. Can you spot any elk, eagles, or coyotes?
As you leave the parking lot and continue down the road, keep an eye out for Gunnison's prairie dogs crossing in front of your tires. Another two miles down the road, you'll reach the historic Cabin District, which was the center of ranching operations on this land for nearly 100 years. A short walking trail leads visitors through the Cabin District. Interpretive signs along the way share stories of this property's ranching legacy. Stop into the Volcano Discovery Center to experience a state-of-the-art interactive exhibit (coming July 2025) and grab a Junior Ranger activity booklet and badge.
The roadway beyond the Cabin District requires a backcountry vehicle pass. There are 40 passes issued per day. Pedestrian and bicycle use of the backcountry route does not require a pass.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Activity Fee
Yes
Park entrance fees apply.
Location
Main Entrance
The Valles Caldera Entrance Road begins at the park's main entrance, located near mile marker 33 on New Mexico State Route 4.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
This driving route is available all year round unless winter weather temporarily closes the road.
Time of Day
Day
This driving route is available during regular park hours. Check our Operating Hours & Seasons webpage for more info.
Accessibility Information
This scenic drive is maintained to be accessible for all motor vehicles.