Valles Caldera
Valles Caldera in northern New Mexico is a 22,000-hectare volcanic basin and national preserve renowned for meadow-carved trails, wildlife, and thermal springs.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Southwest US |
| Subregion | Western USA |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | Rio Arriba County |
| District | Valles Caldera National Preserve |
| City | Jemez Springs |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 36.873 |
| Longitude | -106.588 |
| Maps |
10:34 PM LOCAL TIMEValles Caldera is a spectacular volcanic depression in north-central New Mexico, formed by the eruption and collapse of a massive supervolcano about 1.25 million years ago. Today, the caldera is a protected basin of grasslands and forested hills, accessed via the Albuquerque to Santa Fe corridor. Visitors come for hiking across gradual skies, seasonal wildlife viewing, fishing in high-altitude lakes, and the chance to explore remnants of volcanic activity. The preserve around Wildlife Management Area offers routes for cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and guided tours, with amenities concentrated near the historic Caldera Village base. Expect a mix of rocky uplands, meadow floors, and thermal springs, with ecosystem highlights including theodore black-telluride and pronghorn antelope. Nearby landmarks and towns—Jemez Springs, Los Alamos, and Santa Fe—help contextualize a visit focused on outdoor recreation and geologic wonder.
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