Ranger-led Activities

 

Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Valles Caldera. This year, from October 7 through October 15, we will be celebrating all of the amazing stories and values of the park by hosting special events, cultural demonstrations, guest speakers, and ranger programs throughout the week.

Visit the Fall Fiesta page to learn more and see what is happening each day. We look forward to seeing you up here.

 

Ranger Hayley speaks with a group of visitors during a Cabin District tour.

NPS

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 a daily guided hike through the fall. Keep an eye on our Calendar of Events for upcoming programs!

Daily Guided Hike

11:00 am: Life of a Volcano

Join a ranger for a hike around Cerro la Jara to learn about the many wonders of this world-renowned volcano. Reservations recommended. Meet at the Entrance Station a few minutes before the start of the program. Bring water and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes. 1.5 hours and about 1.5 miles (2.4 km).

Winter Programs

Stay tuned for the winter programs that we'll be offering.

 

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.

 

A telescope pointed toward a starry night sky.

NPS

Stargazing in the Caldera

Take in the majesty of the celestial sky and learn about the stars, constellations, and planetary bodies in this International Dark Sky Park. Registration required. Meet at the park's main entrance 15-30 minutes before the start of the program. Bring water, snacks, a red light, telescope, and your own seating. Wear warm clothing. 1.5 hours. Program will be cancelled if inclement weather or cloud cover is forecast.

• October 13, 7:30 to 9:00 pm - (REGISTRATION FULL)

Moonlit La Jara Walk

Experience the dark side of Valles Caldera and join a ranger for a hike around Cerro la Jara to discover the nocturnal wonders of the park. Registration required. Meet at the park's main entrance 15-30 minutes before the start of the program. Bring water, snacks, and a red light. Wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing. Two hours and about 1.5 miles (2.4 km). Program will be cancelled if inclement weather is forecast.

• October 27, 6 pm to 8 pm - (REGISTRATION FULL)

 

Volunteer instructors from New Mexico Trout assist fishing clinic participants with casting practice.

NPS

Flyfishing Clinics

Thanks for a wonderful 2023 season. Check back in late winter for 2024 dates.

Valles Caldera National Preserve and New Mexico Trout are partnering to offer free fishing clinics for beginner anglers this summer. Registration is required.

Clinics will include classroom instruction, casting practice, and an afternoon of fishing on Valles Caldera's streams. All youth participants must be accompanied by an adult. Participants ages 12 and over must have:

• a valid NMDGF fishing license
• a valid Valles Caldera annual fishing permit (permit fees will be waived for this event)
• a Habitat Management and Access Validation (HMAV) stamp

 

National Public Lands Day

Next Event: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Each September, come support the park and spend a day volunteering and exploring beautiful Valles Caldera. We offer different ways to celebrate the connection between people and green space in their community, inspires environmental stewardship, and encourages use of open spaces for education, recreation, and health benefits.

Volunteer Projects

Give a morning of your time to help improve the experience at Valles Caldera. In 2023, volunteers helped construct bumper logs to protect roadside vegetation and ensured a clean environment along NM-4. At the end of the projects, volunteers enjoyed a picnic, received tokens of appreciation, and a day pass to visit a public land area for free.

• Meeting time and location: 9:15 am at the park's Entrance Station
• Duration: 3-4 hours

Looking for more ways to get involved at Valles Caldera? Check out Volunteer - Valles Caldera National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

Ranger Programs

Rangers take visitors on a guided walks to learn more about Valles Caldera and the value of public lands.

Yoga in the Park

A ranger-led gentle yoga class outdoors overlooking the majestic Valle Grande that gave visitors a chance to experience the healing benefits of public lands.

 

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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