The Valles Caldera is the result of a volcanic eruption that happened over a million years ago which created a volcanic depression in the earth approximately 14 miles wide in diameter. Located in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, it is now a beautiful valley known for it’s huge grassland meadows, the East Fork Jemez River and hiking trails. It is also a wildlife preserve and home to the 2nd largest elk population in New Mexico. You might see prairie dogs that pop up along the road to the Valle Grande entrance station or a coyote strolling through the grassy meadow. There are numerous hiking trails in and around the preserve but if you want to hike or backpack in the backcountry you will need a pass or a code to drive to the backcountry trails. They only allow a few vehicles in the backcountry per day. Check in with the entrance station or reserve a pass online. Over the past 5 years we’ve visited the Valles Caldera numerous times and each time is a different experience. Sometimes it’s sunny, sometimes foggy or low lying clouds in the valley. Depending on the rainfall, the meadow can be gorgeous green or a dull wheat color. We love to go in late Spring and early Summer when the wildflowers are in bloom. This is one of our favorite places to get away. Here’s a fun fact: If you’ve ever seen the tv show “Longmire”, you might recognize the cabin and stables where Walt Longmire’s ranch scenes were filmed. While the series took place in Absaroka County, Wyoming, it was actually filmed in NM. The Sherriff office and town scenes were filmed in Las Vegas, NM. I hope you will enjoy some of our adventures over the past few years exploring the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
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