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Contact: Dave Krueger, 505-412-0826
Jemez Springs, NM – Backcountry vehicle passes for May 15 through May 31 of the 2024 summer season are now available on Recreation.gov (https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10089849). The backcountry vehicle route is open May 15 through November 15; weather-permitting.
“We are excited for people to start planning their Valles Caldera backcountry experience. The reservation system successfully issued 5,701 passes last year and we’re looking to build upon that success. We’ve added a new option this year after reviewing visitor comments and data.“ said Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos.
The new option is an additional 5 first-come, first-served passes that will be available day-of. Visitors can stop by one of the park’s visitor facilities for one of these passes.
Future batches will be released on the first of each month. For a detailed list of release dates, visit the park’s Backcountry Experience web page (https://www.nps.gov/vall/planyourvisit/bc.htm). Any passes that have not been reserved will still be available for day-of use.
The backcountry is open to all visitors traveling on foot, bike, or horse without a backcountry vehicle pass. Horseback riders do require a separate, free equestrian permit that can also be obtained at the park’s visitor facilities.
Exceptional Valles Caldera National Preserve experiences do not require a backcountry vehicle pass. Visit Valles Caldera’s Front-country Experience (https://www.nps.gov/vall/planyourvisit/fc.htm) web page to learn more about the wonderful hikes, historic settings, volcanic and scenic vistas, old-growth ponderosa pine forests, and ranger programs available.
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.
Last updated: February 15, 2024