Fees & Passes

Entrance Fee Waived

Valles Caldera National Preserve is a fee park; however, at this time the entrance fee is being waived.  While the entrance fee is being waived, Valles Caldera will not be able to sell or issue passes.

The information below reflects what fees will be when Valles Caldera resumes collection.  Passes can be obtained at Bandelier National Monument or through other federal recreation sites with passes available.

 

Seven-day pass if entering via

• Non-commercial car, van, pickup truck, motorcycle or RV: $25 per vehicle (no per-person fee)
• Foot, bicycle, horse, or non-commercial bus: $15 per person aged 16 and older (academic fee waivers may be available for curriculum-based educational trips)

 

Commercial Tour Fees

• Commercial sedan (up to six seats): $25 (plus $10 per person)
• Commercial van (7-15 seats, regardless of occupancy): $40 (no per person fee)
• Commercial mini bus (16-25 seats, regardless of occupancy): $100 (no per person fee)

Additionally, a commercial use authorization is required for all commercial tours.

Exceptions:

• Anyone 15 years or younger is exempt from paying an entrance fee.
• Passes may be used for entry as defined on the back of the pass.

 

Accepted Passes

• Valles Caldera Pass: $45 Annual pass providing entrance to Valles Caldera for 12 months from the date of purchase
• America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass: $80 Annual pass covering entrance and standard amenity fees for national parks and other federal fee areas. This replaces the National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Pass.
• Annual Pass for US Military: Free Annual pass covering entrance and standard amenity fees for all active military personnel and their dependents. (For active duty military personnel and dependents with proper identification - CAC Card or DD Form 1173.)
• Access Pass: Free Lifetime admission and discount pass for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities.
• Senior Pass: $80 Lifetime or $20 Annual admission and discount pass for US citizens or permanent residents who are age 62 or older.

 

Fee Free Entrance Days

In 2019, entrance fees will be waived on:

• January 21 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• April 20 - First day of National Park Week / National Junior Ranger Day
• August 25 - National Park Service Anniversary
• September 28 - National Public Lands Day
• November 11 (Veterans Day)

On fee free days, all national parks waive entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees.

If your visit during a fee-free day extends beyond the free day(s) and you re-enter the preserve after the fee-free day, you will be required to pay the regular entrance fee.

 

Payment Methods and Locations

Payment via credit card is preferred, but cash is accepted. You may pay entrance fees at the Valle Grande Contact Station.