News Release

Valles Caldera Introduces Online Reservations for Backcountry Vehicle Passes

Date: January 17, 2023
Contact: Dave Krueger, 505-412-0826

Jemez Springs, NM – In an on-going effort to improve recreational access and opportunities, on February 15 the National Park Service (NPS) will begin offering backcountry vehicle passes at Valles Caldera National Preserve by online reservation, instead of on a first come, first served basis. In conjunction, the park will also extend the distance that visitors can drive into the park without a backcountry vehicle pass.

Currently, 35 backcountry vehicle passes are available daily during the 6-month summer season (May 15 to November 15). With this change, passes will be released for reservation on Recreation.gov (https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10089849) on the first of each month in monthly batches in two sets: the first set of 10 passes beginning three months out and the second set of 25 passes one month out. For the first month that the system goes live, the first set of reservations will become available on February 15 for dates May 15 through May 31, and the second set of reservations for that period will be available on April 1. While the passes remain free of charge, Recreation.gov charges a $2.00 processing fee.

In addition, the NPS is extending the distance visitors can drive into the park without a backcountry vehicle pass by two miles, for a total of four miles of park roads where visitors can enjoy Valles Caldera’s historic setting and scenic vistas. This change improves visitor access to more front-country destinations, including the popular South Mountain Trail, historic Baca Ranch Cabin District, and old growth ponderosa pine groves. Until additional designated parking is established, a front-country vehicle pass will be required to manage the number of vehicles in the area at any given time. This pass will be issued from the park entrance station free of charge on a first come, first served basis.

“We’re excited to continue to improve recreational access and offer a richer experience at the park, while providing visitors with new tools to plan ahead for their visit. This is just one step of many more to come as we work on future short- and long-range planning efforts,” said Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos.

Visit Valles Caldera’s Front-country (https://www.nps.gov/vall/planyourvisit/fc.htm) and Backcountry (https://www.nps.gov/vall/planyourvisit/bc.htm) web pages for additional details.

www.nps.gov/vall

Valles Caldera National Preserve | About 1.25 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 13-mile wide circular depression now known as Valles Caldera. The preserve is known for its huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. The area also preserves the homeland of ancestral native peoples and embraces a rich ranching history. Visit us at nps.gov/vall.

National Park Service | More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 420+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at nps.gov.