Ranger-led Activities

 

A park ranger gestures while leading a guided hike.

NPS/Corey Lycopolus

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!

Fall Events & Programs

National Public Lands Day

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

Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta

Dates: October 4-12, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Location: Volcano Discovery Center

Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta is a time to celebrate the rich natural beauty and cultural heritage of this volcanic landscape. Rangers will be leading guided programs and art activities, guest speakers will share their knowledge, tribal artisans will demonstrate their cultural artistry, artists and educators will offer information and sale items at booths, and visitors may enjoy self-guided activities each evening during extended park hours.

The park will also host four evenings of special, reservation-based programs on October 4, 5, 10, and 11. Rangers and volunteers will help participants appreciate the night sky or try their hands at astrophotography. Concurrently, audiophiles can experience storytelling through music during a silent disco. Visit our Fall Fiesta webpage for a full event schedule!

Art Workshops & Demos

Join Valles Caldera's artists in residence for hands-on workshops and art demonstrations in the Cabin District. From nature writing to printmaking to astrophotography to watercolor painting, art helps us slow down, observe, and immerse creatively in our surroundings. Check out upcoming offerings in our Calendar of Events!

Early Bird Birding Tour

Dates: Every 2nd and 4th Sunday thru November 23
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 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 10:00 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: 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. Please visit the Calendar listing to register!

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. Please visit the Calendar listing to register!

 

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