Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Valles Caldera

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 in the listings below!

Daytime Programs

Daily Ranger Program

Dates: Every Thursday-Saturday, Memorial Day to Labor Day
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Begins at either the Volcano Discovery Center or Welcome Station

Dealer's choice! Depending on which ranger you get, this program may cover Valles Caldera's geology, wildlife, cultural history, fire ecology, or creative arts. Take a chance and join us to learn something new. Generally (although not guaranteed), Thursday programs will alternate between fire ecology and wildlife. Friday programs will be geology hikes around Cerro La Jara. Saturday programs will be history hikes through the Cabin District.

Tenkara Fishing Clinics

Dates: June 21; July 19; August 1 & 22
Time: All day
Location: Begins at the Volcano Discovery Center

Tenkara is an ancient Japanese form of flyfishing that is growing increasingly popular in the United States. Join Tenkara enthusiasts and experienced teachers in learning the art and technique of this exciting sport that is perfect for Valles Caldera's creeks. The morning will feature a classroom session with casting practice. In the afternoon, participants will enjoy a guided fishing experience on Valles Caldera's famous waters. Thanks to a grant from the National Park Foundation, this event is free and all equipment will be provided. The Tenkara Fishing Clinic is open to 15 participants of all ages. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration opens at 8:00 am, two weeks ahead of time.

Fly Tying and Fishing with a Ranger

Dates: July 5th; August 9th; and August 16th
Time: 9:45 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Begins at the Volcano Discovery Center

Fly tying is an ancient art that combines elements of science, creativity, and art. Participants will learn the basics of fly tying with a focus on easy-to-tie patterns that can be used for fishing in Valles Caldera. Afterward, participants will have the opportunity to use their flies while fishing Valles Caldera's famous trout streams. This program is geared towards absolute beginners through intermediate fly-tyers and anglers. All people ages 10-and-up are welcome.

Pre-registration is required. Thanks to a grant from the National Park Foundation, this event is free, and all equipment will be provided. A valid New Mexico fishing license with the HMAV stamp is required for the fishing portion.

Registration opens at 8:00 am, two weeks ahead of time.

Junior Ranger Program: Animal Superpowers

Dates: Every other Sunday beginning June 1st
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm
Location: Volcano Discovery Center

Can you smell food better than a bear? Would you beat a jumping mouse at a jumping contest? Are you a master of camouflage like a weasel? Come join a ranger at Valles Caldera in testing your skills against those of some of Valles Caldera's most amazingly talented animals!

Early Bird Birding Tour

Dates: Every 2nd and 4th Sunday
Time: 8:30-9:30 am
Location: Begins at the Volcano Discovery Center

Join a ranger and go on a self-propelled birding adventure in Valles Caldera. This program is open to all skill levels. Participants should arrive at the Volcano Discovery Center at 8:30 am. Please come prepared for the designated activity (hiking on 2nd Sunday, biking/e-biking on 4th Sunday). Binoculars are available to borrow if you do not own a pair. Trail difficulty will range from easy to moderate. Expect to be out on the trail for 1 hour. Please bring a small snack, water, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are weather-appropriate.

Wildlife Photography

Dates: Every 1st Sunday and 3rd Wednesday
Times: 9:00 am to 12:30 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 duration is 2-3.5 hours depending on the trail or area visited, with possible hiking distances of 1-5 miles total. 

Complimentary backcountry passes available to the first 10 vehicles that arrive for this program.

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. Registration will open at 8:00 am Mountain Time exactly two weeks in advance.

 

Evening Programs

Evening programs are offered year-round in conjunction with the full moon, new moon, and special celestial events.

Astrophotography Workshops

Dates: June 6, August 22

With Valles Caldera National Preserve (an International Dark Sky Park) as an outdoor classroom, park volunteers Stan Ford and Richard Gonzales will guide program participants through the basics of astrophotography. Learn how to adjust and optimize DSLR camera settings, select a shooting location, and, of course, shoot spectacular images of the night sky. Spots are limited. Registration required.

Registration will open at 8:00 am Mountain Time exactly two weeks in advance.

 

Artist in Residence Workshops

Create Your Own Wildlife Sculpture

Date: Saturday, May 17
Time: 10:00-11:30 am
Location: Volcano Discovery Center

Join artist-in-residence Mark Dyke for a 90-minute workshop to create your own miniature wildlife sculpture! First, Mark will demonstrate how to make a wire armature as a starting point for sculpture. From there, participants will be provided pre-made wire armatures to build onto using taxidermy clay and other materials. Participants will take home their creations!

Spots are limited; registration required. See Calendar for registration details.

Slow Looking: Art, Mindfulness, and the Landscape of Valles Caldera

Date: Sunday, June 29
Time: 10:00-11:00 am
Location: Volcano Discovery Center

Join Artist in Residence Cruz Davis-Martinez for an interactive workshop exploring the practice of slow looking—a mindfulness-based approach to engaging with art and nature. Participants will be guided through a structured observation of the Valles Caldera landscape and then respond creatively through sketching, writing, or painting. This exercise will be followed by a discussion on how mindful observation can deepen our connection to place, memory, and creativity.

Nature's Notebook: Observing and Creating in Valles Caldera

Date: Sunday, July 13
Time: 10:00-11:00 am
Location: Volcano Discovery Center

Join Artist in Residence Alina Lindquist for an interactive public program focused on nature journaling as a means of deepening one's connection with the landscape of Valles Caldera National Preserve. Combining art, writing, and scientific observation, this workshop will guide attendees through the process of recording their experiences in nature in a meaningful and creative way.

Spots are limited; registration required. See Calendar for registration details.

Cloud Painting with Watercolors

Date: Saturday, August 23
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm
Location: Volcano Discovery Center

At Valles Caldera, the sky is an integral part of the landscape, whether by day or by night. Join Artist in Residence Patsy Welch to learn how to paint the clouds above Valles Caldera using watercolors. Cloud painting is a fun and low-stress activity that anybody can do. This one-hour program is geared toward children and families.

Spots are limited; registration required. See Calendar for registration details.

Tooled Leather Printmaking Demonstration

Date: September 13 & 19
Time: 1:00-4:00 pm
Location: Volcano Discovery Center

Join Artist in Residence Jim Weaver for a tooled leather printmaking demonstration at the Volcano Discovery Center on either Saturday, September 13, or Friday, September 19, anytime from 1:00 to 4:00 pm! This is a drop-in style event.

Leather tooling is a folk art whose history can be traced from Spain through Mexico and into the Southwestern United States and beyond. During this demonstration, Jim will show the process of tooling leather and the subsequent printing on a small portable press while interspersing background information on the history of leatherwork and printmaking.

 

National Public Lands Day 2025

On Saturday, September 27, we will be hosting volunteer activities and ranger-led activities in honor of public lands. This year, we will focus on two main types of projects: trail work and preparing for Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta 2025.

Visit the Volunteer.gov opportunity page to sign up today!

Things to Know

  • We will meet at the Welcome Station at 9 am for check-in and safety briefings
  • We will divide up into the two volunteer opportunities based on interest, number of participants, and physical fitness
  • Plan to work on the volunteer project all morning
  • Protective equipment will be provided, but if you prefer your own work gloves, grabbers, eye protection, etc. feel free to bring your own
  • Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and layers of clothing
  • Lunch will be provided by Los Amigos de Valles Caldera
  • Completion of the volunteer work will earn you a one-day fee-free pass to any public land
 
 

Jump to date

By Park

By State

By Event Type

REPEATING EVENTS
  • Show
  • Hide
Loading Events...
 

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.

 

Last updated: August 12, 2025

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

090 Villa Louis Martin Dr.
Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Phone:

505-670-1612
Ranger Station (for general park information)

Contact Us

Tools