Want to learn more about Valles Caldera's geology, history, wildlife, and more? We invite you to participate in a ranger program during your visit! Valles Caldera National Preserve offers engaging programs all year-round. Check out current and upcoming offerings in the listings below!
Special Events
Valles Caldera Winter Fest
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Cabin District
Join us for a day-long event filled with winter wonder and family fun at Valles Caldera! More information, including the schedule of events, is available on our
Winter Fest webpage.
Daytime Programs
Early Bird Bird Tour
Dates: Every 2nd and 4th Sunday (not offered in December 2024)
Time: 8:00 am to 10:30 am
Location: Meet at the main park entrance (NM-4)
Join a ranger and go on a self-propelled birding adventure in Valles Caldera! This program is open to all skill levels. Please come prepared for the designated activity on your program date (hiking, biking, skiing/snowshoeing). Designated activities for each date are outlined below.
Binoculars are available to rent if you do not own a pair. Please arrive at the main gate on NM-4 at 8:00 am, and from there, participants will caravan to the starting location. Trail difficulty will range from easy to moderate. Expect to be out on the trail for 1-2 hours. Please bring a small snack, water, and wear comfortable clothes that are weather-appropriate and shoes to hike short distances (1-3 miles) or bike up to 10 miles.
Designated activities by date:
2nd Sunday (May-October): Hike
4th Sunday (May-October): Bike/e-bike
2nd & 4th Sundays (November to April): Snowshoeing or XC skiing
Wildlife Photography
Dates: Every 1st Sunday
Times: 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
Location: Begins at the Ranger Station
A hike with a focus on wildlife photography principles and techniques covering Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Jemez Mountains.
Learn the basics of wildlife photography and compositional recommendations all while exploring Valles Caldera and the Jemez Mountain Region. You will need to provide your own camera for this program (Mirrorless, DSLR, SLR, or mobile). The program duration is 2-5 hours depending on the trail or area visited, with distances of 1-5 miles hiked.
Spots are limited. Registration required. Registration will open at 8:00 am MST exactly two weeks in advance.
Climate Science Ski Tour
Dates: January 17, February 7
Times: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Location: Begins at the Entrance Station
While skiing on groomed trails around the scenic La Jara peak, participants will learn about climate change in the Jemez Mountains. Visitors will learn about two possible scenarios for Valles Caldera’s future climate and the basics of climate science.
For this program, participants must bring their own skiing equipment. Classic cross-country skis are recommended. While skate skis are an option, this program will involve frequent stops. The route is approximately 1.4 miles long and flat. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and appropriate winter clothing.
No registration required. Just show up at the Entrance Station with your skis a few minutes before 10:00 am!
Wolves: Past, Present, and Future - Easy Ski Program
Date: March 7
Times: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Location: Begins at the Entrance Station
While skiing on groomed trails around the scenic La Jara peak, participants will learn about the history of wolves in Valles Caldera, the role of wolves in the ecosystem, and the current state of Mexican Gray Wolf recovery program.
For this program, participants must bring their own skiing equipment. Classic cross-country skis are recommended. While skate skis are an option, this program will involve frequent stops. The route is approximately 1.4 miles long and flat. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and appropriate winter clothing.
No registration required. Just show up at the Entrance Station with your skis a few minutes before 10:00 am!
Instant Film Photography Program
Dates: Every 3rd Sunday
Times: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Location: Begins at the Ranger Station
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 MST exactly two weeks in advance.
Winter Soundscapes Ski Tour
Dates: January 10, January 31, February 14
Times: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Begins at the Entrance Station
Join a park ranger for a guided winter tour of Valles Caldera National Preserve. Listen to the sounds of Valles Caldera in the winter and learn about why experiencing nature's soundscape reveals much about the ecosystem. Participants will awaken their senses to the sounds of nature and learn about the forest 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 Valles Caldera Entrance Station and head out to History Grove, returning via South Mountain for a 4-5 mile loop. This is a strenuous route at altitude that requires proper hydration, nutrition, and physical conditioning. For a less physically demanding experience, please sign up for one of the programs around La Jara.
Spots are limited. Registration required. Registration will open at 8:00 am MST exactly two weeks in advance.
Wolves: Past, Present, and Future - Strenuous Ski Tour
Date: March 14
Times: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Begins at the Ranger Station
While skiing from the Ranger Station out to Cerro Pinon and back, participants will learn about the history of wolves in Valles Caldera, the role of wolves in the ecosystem, and the current state of Mexican Gray Wolf recovery program.
For this program, participants must bring their own skiing equipment. Classic cross-country skis are recommended. While skate skis are an option, this program will involve stops. The route is approximately 6 miles long with rolling hills. This is a strenuous route at altitude that requires proper hydration, nutrition, and physical conditioning. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and appropriate winter clothing.
Spots are limited. Registration required. Registration will open at 8:00 am MST exactly two weeks in advance.
