News Release

NPS/Stan Ford
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Contact: Dave Krueger
Jemez Springs, NM – The National Park Service invites everyone to visit the park on the evening of July 5 for a special night sky viewing event, Stars and Sweets.
The event runs from 7 pm to 11:45 pm and includes special ranger programs, cultural performances from local pueblo communities, telescope viewing thanks to local astronomy clubs, and pastries and night sky items for sale.
“As an International Dark Sky Park, Valles Caldera has some of the best dark skies in the region,” said Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos. “We continue to explore ways to provide opportunities for visitors to safely experience this magnificent resource. This year, besides our periodic ranger-led night sky programs, we are excited to offer this event that is open to all.”
The park will reopen the gates starting at 7 pm. The gates will be open until 11:45 pm, though we ask visitors to arrive by 9 pm to minimize bright lights and maximize the enjoyment of the night sky. All event activities will take place near the Entrance Station. Parking is limited, so we recommend carpooling as much as possible. As this event takes place at night, we recommend bringing red lights to aid in navigating the event area.
The event is weather-dependent, so please watch the event listing for any updates.
Valles Caldera National Preserve | About 1.2 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 14-mile-wide circular depression now known as Valles Caldera. The park 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 cultural 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: June 20, 2024