Ranger-led Activities

 

Want to learn more about Valles Caldera's geology, history, wildlife, and more? We invite you to participate in a ranger program or special event during your visit! Valles Caldera National Preserve offers engaging programs all year-round. Check out upcoming offerings by visiting our Calendar of Events!

Winter Events & Programs

The Valles Caldera Eruption Experience

Dates: Daily, year-round
Times: Hourly, on the half-hour
Location: Volcano Discovery Center

Come and experience an immersive simulation of the Valles Caldera eruption! Every hour on the half-hour, the Volcano Discovery Center "erupts" with a multisensory exhibit experience that showcases the past 1.2 million years of geologic history at Valles Caldera. Feel the rumble and quaking of the earth. Hear the explosive volcanic forces that created the 14-mile-wide caldera. Watch the lakes and lava domes appear. At the end of the show, bask in a newfound understanding of this unique landscape, and continue to learn and discover more by interacting with the immersive Valles Caldera exhibit.

WARNING: This show includes loud explosion sound effects and flashing lights. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, we recommend visiting the Volcano Discovery Center after the show has concluded (at :35 past the hour). Ask a park ranger about how to experience a sensory-friendly version of the eruption show!

Winter Soundscapes & Wildlife Watching Tour

Date: Friday, November 28
Time: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Meet at the Volcano Discovery Center

Join Ranger Adam for a guided winter tour of Valles Caldera National Preserve. Listen to the sounds of Valles Caldera in the early winter and learn about what nature's soundscape reveals about the ecosystem. Participants will awaken their senses to the sounds of nature and learn more about the wildlife that inhabit Valles Caldera.

If there is snow on the ground, please plan to bring snowshoes or skis. Snowshoes and poles are available for rent at Valles Caldera. This program will involve a 3-mile round trip hike from the Volcano Discovery Center on the El Cajete trail.

Registration is not required.

Wildlife Photography

Dates: Every 1st Sunday of the month
Times: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Location: Begins at the Volcano Discovery Center

Learn the basics of wildlife photography and compositional recommendations all while exploring Valles Caldera and the Jemez Mountains region. You will need to provide your own camera for this program (Mirrorless, DSLR, SLR, or mobile). The program involves possible hiking distances of 1-5 miles total. 

Spots are limited; registration required.

• December 7th Wildlife photography
• January 4th Wildlife photography

Instant Film Photography Program

Dates: Every 3rd Sunday
Times: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Location: Begins at the Volcano Discovery Center

Learn the basics of photography and compositional recommendations using an instant film camera, all while exploring Valles Caldera. A camera and film will be provided, but exposures will be limited to 2 per person. If you want to take more than two photos, you can purchase your own film to use (Polaroid i-Type, color or black & white) and can bring your own instant film camera as well. The program is approximately 1 hour in duration.

Spots are limited; registration required.

• December 21st Instant Film
• January 18th Instant Film

Moonlit Hike & Storytelling

Date: December 4
Time: 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Location: Meet at the Volcano Discovery Center

Join park rangers for an evening under the full moon with a guided hike from the Cabin District to History Grove. Activities will include curated stories connected to Valles Caldera, a 2-mile hike on the road from the Cabin District to History Grove and back, and a short workshop on astrophotography.

Snowshoes are available to rent onsite if you do not own a pair.

Registration is required.

• December 4th Moonlit Hike

Winter Soundscapes Strenuous Ski Tour

Dates: December 12 and January 16
Time: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Meet at Volcano Discovery Center

Join Ranger Adam for a guided ski tour of Valles Caldera National Preserve. Listen to the sounds of Valles Caldera in the winter and learn about the connections between nature's soundscapes and the wider ecosystem. Participants will leave the sounds of urban life and technology behind to discover the sounds of nature and the unique ecology of Valles Caldera.

For this program, guests must bring their own skiing equipment. Rugged cross-country skis or light telemark and alpine touring setups are recommended with fish scale patterns or skins. Split boards are also fine. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and appropriate winter clothing. Depending on snow conditions and guest wishes, the tour will leave from the Volcano Discovery Center and go for a 4-5 mile loop on groomed trails. This is a strenuous route at altitude that requires proper hydration, nutrition, and physical conditioning.

Registration is not required.

Learn to Cross-country Ski with a Ranger

Dates: December 19, December 26, January 23
Time: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Meet at the Volcano Discovery Center

New to cross-country skiing and want to learn more? Come to Valles Caldera, where there are brand new groomed trails for 2025! The session will focus on efficient movement, skill acquisition, and safety for either classic or skate technique. Valles Caldera DOES NOT rent cross-country ski gear, so you will need to bring your own. It must be in good working condition. Have a pair that someone gave you ages ago? Bring them up and come on out! Participants must bring appropriate clothing for winter weather, hydration, and snacks.

This program is limited to 10 participants. Registration required. Links will activate at 8:00 am MST, two weeks in advance of each program date.

• December 19--10:00 am to 12:30 pm
• December 26--10:00 am to 12:30 pm
• January 23--10:00 am to 12:30 pm

Stargazing in the Caldera

Dates: December 20 and January 17
Time: 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Location: Meet at the Volcano Discovery Center

Join park rangers for an evening under the stars in the Cabin District. Activities will include stargazing and an astrophotography workshop. Telescopes and star binoculars will be provided for participants.

Registration required.

• December 20th Stargazing
• January 17th Stargazing

Predators of the Past—Wolves and Grizzly Bears

Dates: January 9 and January 30
Time: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Meet at Cerro La Jara Trailhead

While snowshoeing or skiing on groomed trails around the scenic La Jara peak, participants will learn about the history of wolves and grizzly bears in Valles Caldera, the role of these apex predators in the ecosystem, and the current state of the Mexican gray wolf recovery program. Participants must bring appropriate clothing for winter weather, hydration, and snacks. The route is approximately 1.5 miles.

Registration is not required.

 

School Programs

Teachers, how would you like to have a huge herd of elk, blooming wildflowers, historic and cultural artifacts, and a world-renowned caldera as your classroom?

Email us today to arrange a ranger-led field trip.

 

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Nearby Programs

Want to experience more National Park Service interpretive programs during your visit to the Jemez Mountains? Join ranger at neighboring Bandelier National Monument or Manhattan Project National Historical Park, both approximately 30 minutes east of Valles Caldera.

• Bandelier National Monument
• Manhattan Project National Historical Park