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!

Guided Hike: El Cajete Trail

Date: January 23
Time: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Meet at the Volcano Discovery Center

Join us for a ranger-guided hike on El Cajete Trail! This hike is approximately 3 miles in duration and will focus on wildlife viewing and winter soundscapes. Participants should bring appropriate clothing for winter weather, hydration, and snacks. Binoculars and cameras are encouraged, too.

No registration required.

Predators of the Past—Wolves and Grizzly Bears

Dates: 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.

Moonlit Snowshoe Hike

Dates: January 31, March 7, April 4
Time: Varies
Location: Cabin District

Join park rangers for an evening under the full moon with a guided hike from the Cabin District to History Grove at Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Activites will include curated stories connected to Valles Caldera, an approximately 2-mile hike on the road from the Cabin District to History Grove and back, and a short workshop on astrophotography.

If there is adequate snowpack, the hike will be conducted in snowshoes, which are available to rent onsite if you do not own a pair.

Registration links open at 8:00 am, exactly two weeks in advance.

• Jan 31
• Mar 7
• Apr 4

Wildlife Photography

Dates: Every 1st Sunday of the month
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Meet at the Volcano Discovery Center

Join us for a hike at Valles Caldera National Preserve to learn the basics of wildlife photography and compositional recommendations. You will need to provide your own camera for this program (Mirrorless, DSLR, SLR, or mobile). Hiking distance varies from 1-5 miles.

Registration links open at 8:00 am, exactly two weeks in advance.

• Feb 1
• Mar 1
• Apr 5
• May 3

Astrophotography Workshop

With Valles Caldera National Preserve (an International Dark Sky Park) as an outdoor classroom, photographers 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. Participants should bring:

1. A camera that has Manual mode. You can use multiple lenses, but we recommend your widest-angle lens.
2. A sturdy tripod.
3. A headlamp or flashlight with red right.
4. Drinking water and snacks.
5. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing.

We ask that program participants arrive with a basic understanding of how to operate their camera in the dark. If you're not experienced with shooting at night, your camera's instruction manual may come in handy. If you do not have a camera with Manual mode or cannot borrow one, we can work with the camera you have. You may not get the greatest images, but our main goal is for you to learn how to shoot at night and have fun!

Registration links open at 8:00 am, exactly two weeks in advance.

• Feb 14
• Mar 21
• Apr 18

Stargazing in the Caldera

Join park rangers for an evening of stargazing in the Cabin District. Telescopes and star binoculars will be provided for program participants.

Registration links open at 8:00 am, exactly two weeks in advance.

• Feb 14
• Mar 21
• Apr 18

Instant Film Photography

Dates: Every 3rd Sunday of the month
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Meet 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.

Registration links open at 8:00 am, exactly two weeks in advance.

• Feb 15
• Mar 15
• Apr 19
• May 17

Valles Caldera Winter Fest

Dates: Saturday, February 21
Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Cabin District

Discover the wonders of winter at 9,000 feet at Valles Caldera Winter Fest! A variety of ranger-led and self-guided activities will take place in the Cabin District throughout the day. Visit the Winter Fest webpage for a full schedule of events.

 

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