Valles Caldera National Preserve
Jemez Springs, NM
A 20 km wide volcanic caldera filled with grassland meadows and elk herds. NM-4 skirts Valle Grande; a gravel road leads to the visitor center at the historic cabins.
- Nearest town
- Jemez Springs, NM
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.8580, -106.4880
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camp MayCampsite6 mi from Valles Caldera National Preserve
- American Springs Dispersed CampingCampsite7 mi from Valles Caldera National Preserve
- Jemez Falls CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Valles Caldera National Preserve
- Banco Bonito Campground (Special Use Permit Required)Campsite7 mi from Valles Caldera National Preserve
- Main Gate Park RV ParkMotorhome stopover13 mi from Valles Caldera National Preserve · 10 pitchesMotorhomesWaste disposal
- Rio De Las Vacas CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Valles Caldera National PreserveTentsCaravansDrinking water
All campsites in New Mexico · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Valles Caldera National Preserve?
Valles Caldera National Preserve is in Jemez Springs, NM, at GPS 35.8580, -106.4880. It is about 10 mi from Los Alamos.
Can you camp near Valles Caldera National Preserve?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camp May, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 30 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Valles Caldera National Preserve?
Valles Caldera National Preserve is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Jemez Mountain Trail: Bandelier, Valles Caldera and Jemez Springs.
What is there to see near Valles Caldera National Preserve?
Places worth a stop nearby: Soda Dam (12 mi), Jemez Historic Site (12 mi), Bandelier National Monument (13 mi) and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (14 mi).
When is the best time to visit Valles Caldera National Preserve?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)