Trails in Valles Caldera National Preserve

This 7.2-mile (11.6 km) loop gently ascends a lava dome and then contours around it, offering unparalleled views of much of the eastern half of the caldera. The loop may be hiked in either direction, although counterclockwise is strongly recommended. Excellent opportunities abound for elk and other wildlife sightings.

Elevation: 8,720 - 9,559 feet

This strenuous, 12.2-mile (19.6 km) trail follows Sulphur Creek, passing through an old sulphur mining area, before turning eastward to skirt beautiful Valle Seco. It slowly climbs the ridge at the edge of Valle Seco before dropping back down Alamo Canyon, passing three geothermal ponds along the way. Best hiked clockwise. GPS required, especially for Alamo Canyon.

Elevation: 8,069 - 9,392 feet

The Cabin District Intrepretive Trail is a short and gentle route traversing the historic ranch headquarters for Baca Land & Cattle Company. Interpretive signs along the trail describe each building and its purpose in the ranching operation that persisted here for nearly a century. For an even more immersive experience, download the NPS app for a self-guided audio tour of the Cabin District.

To reach the trailhead, drive 4 miles down the entrance road to the Cabin District. Turn left and park in the parking area. The trail begins at the farther parking lot and heads toward the Cowboy Cabin, which is just south of the Volcano Discovery Center.

This 3.4-mile (5.5 km) out-and-back trail features breathtaking views along the East Fork Jemez River as it flows toward the southwestern corner of the preserve. The trail initially climbs up a hill with outstanding views of Valle Grande and then drops down into the canyon of the East Fork. From here, you'll hike downstream, passing volcanic rock formations along the way. Some parts of the trail may be marshy.

Use extra caution on this trail in the winter. The trail follows the stream very closely in places, so snowy conditions can cover up the stream, causing hikers to step into the water by accident.

Elevation: 8,406 - 8,573 feet

Hiking routes within Valles Caldera range from flat strolls through montane grasslands to steep climbs on forested lava domes. As this land was a private ranch for over 150 years, the majority of hiking routes follow old logging and ranching roads. Since Valles Caldera is a relatively new National Park Service site, trails are not well-marked, and most trailheads do not yet have signs. For this reason, it is imperative for hikers to carry a detailed park map to help identify landmarks and topography.

On many trails in the park, hikers will encounter large areas burned by the Las Conchas Fire (2011) and the Thompson Ridge Fire (2013). Do not linger in areas with standing dead trees, especially if it's windy or snowy. Trails in burned areas are also likely to have heavy deadfall to climb over or around. Please report any trail damage or obstacles to a park ranger.

If you wish to drive to a trailhead beyond the Cabin District, a backcountry vehicle pass is required. The backcountry route is open to vehicular traffic from May 15 to November 15 each year. Valles Caldera National Preserve issues 40 backcountry vehicle passes per day, and they are available to reserve up to 3 months in advance at Recreation.gov.

Know Before you Go

Leashed pets are allowed only on the Cerro La Jara Loop, South Valle Grande Trail, Rabbit Mountain Loop, and Cabin District Trail. Dogs are not permitted in vehicles beyond the Cabin District. The Santa Fe National Forest, which surrounds Valles Caldera National Preserve, offers even more hiking options for those with pets.

Even on short day hikes, carry your "ten essentials" including maps, compass, and/or GPS, sun protection, clothing layers, illumination with extra batteries, first aid supplies, repair kits and tools, food, water, and emergency shelter.

Hunting occurs in the park every spring and fall. Hikers should wear bright colors and use situational awareness during these seasons.

Remember, safety is your responsibility. Let a friend or family member know your itinerary.

High Elevation Dangers

Much of Valles Caldera is over 8,000 feet in elevation. Even very fit individuals coming from lower elevations may experience altitude problems. Symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, insomnia, and rapid heartbeat. After a few days, your body will have made some physiological adjustments to higher elevations, but full acclimation may take weeks. To minimize symptoms, drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, don't skip meals, and get plenty of rest. Ultraviolet light is stronger in the mountains because there is less atmosphere for the sunlight to pass through. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt if you are out in the sun for an extended period of time.

Hiking Seasons and Conditions

Winter: Valles Caldera receives several feet of snow between November and April, and winter temperatures routinely stay below zero. Warm, layered clothing and sun protection are imperative. When snow conditions are suitable, groomed ski and snowshoe trails are available for visitors to enjoy. For visitor safety, pedestrian traffic is not permitted on roadways that are open to vehicles in the winter.

Spring: The months of April and May are extremely muddy at Valles Caldera as snowmelt saturates the ground and floods the valles . Hiking in wet and muddy conditions can cause extensive damage to park trails.

Summer: After the snow melts and drains from the mountains, wildflowers begin to pop across the montane grasslands. Summer mornings are wonderful for hiking, but beware of violent afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season (generally June–August). It is possible to experience all four seasons in one day, and weather conditions can change rapidly, so be sure to come properly equipped with adequate clothing, including rain gear. Some routes pass through drainages or dry streambeds (arroyos), which can flood without warning.

Fall: Valles Caldera is quite lovely from September through November as the aspen leaves run through their colorful seasonal cycle and the elk enter the rut. Wildlife are particularly active during the fall months, so it's important to practice situational awareness and maintain a safe distance from any animal you encounter. As the seasons change, high winds are common in the valles, so pack a hat, layers, plenty of drinking water, and chapstick!

Water

Due to the high elevation and dry climate, you must drink more water here than in other places, regardless of season. Always carry adequate water (2-3 liters per person per day). There is no drinking water available at Valles Caldera National Preserve except for the bottled water available for purchase at the Entrance Station and Ranger Station. Water from East Fork, Jaramillo Creek, San Antonio Creek, and any other springs is not safe to drink. Boil or treat water from these sources before using.

Navigation

The maze of logging and ranching roads of the past create excellent avenues into this beautiful landscape, but navigation can be confusing. Some signage exists, but as a new unit to the National Park Service, Valles Caldera is in the process of developing its trail management and maintenance plan. Improvements to some routes will be made, while others may be decommissioned. For your safety, please take a navigable map and compass or GPS. Be sure to use the map provided by the NPS smartphone app which also has a GPS navigation. Be sure to put your device into airplane mode so that you save your valuable battery life. Always have a paper map for backup.

Wildlife

Valles Caldera is home to a wide variety of animals, from the thousands of elk for which it’s famous, to black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, badgers, and prairie dogs, as well as many species of birds, smaller mammals, and reptiles. Do not approach or attempt to touch any wildlife. In the event that you encounter a black bear or mountain lion, raise your arms to appear as large as possible, make a lot of noise, throw rocks, back away slowly, and avoid eye contact. Do not run, and if it charges, stand your ground and fight back.

This strenuous, 7.6-mile (12.2 km) out-and-back route climbs steeply up the north rim of the caldera to reach the northern boundary fence line and then terminates in a lovely high meadow with spectacular views of the entire preserve. This route gains almost 1,800 feet in just 3.8 miles.

Elevation: 8,556 - 10,335 feet

This 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop trail circles Cerro La Jara, the smallest volcanic dome in the park, which formed about 500,000 years ago when lava oozed up and onto the caldera floor. South Mountain, to the west, and Cerro del Medio, on the opposite side of Valle Grande, are also volcanic domes and can be seen from this trail.

The trail passes through a prairie dog colony; they'll be keeping an eye out for you and will make an alarm call as you approach and then scurry underground. Keep an eye out for them (and their large burrows) and their main predator, the coyote. Elk may be present late in the day at the base of South Mountain. There will be a good crop of wildflowers along the trail during the summer monsoon season.

Elevation: 8,497 - 8,545 feet

This strenuous, 11.2-mile (18 km) trail ascends a narrow drainage before circling around Cerro Seco lava dome, offering good views of Valle Seco and the northern rim of the caldera, with the best views saved for last. If you keep an eye out you might even spot pikas. Best hiked counterclockwise.

Elevation: 8,394 - 9,706 feet

The Rabbit Mountain Loop (2.9 miles, 4.7 km round-trip) contours along the southern rim of the caldera, offering great views of Valle Grande and Redondo Peak. The trail passes through shady aspen groves, open meadows, and parts of the Las Conchas wildfire burn scar. Burned areas with standing dead trees can be hazardous in high winds. The east end of the loop connects to the Alamo Boundary Trail at Bandelier National Monument, where pets are prohibited.

Elevation: 8,714 - 8,950 feet

The Rabbit Ridge Trail (2.4 miles, 3.8 km round-trip) is an optional spur off of the Rabbit Mountain Loop that ascends to the south rim of Valles Caldera. The trail passes through aspen groves and offers outstanding views of Valle Grande and Redondo Peak. At the trail's summit is the boundary line between Valles Caldera National Preserve and Bandelier National Monument, both administered by the National Park Service.

Caution: This trail traverses the Las Conchas wildfire burn scar, which can be hazardous in high winds due to standing dead trees.

Elevation: 8,951 - 9,606 feet

The Indios Creek Trail is a 7.8-mile (12.6 km) hike that climbs gently up to the northern boundary of the park. This trail follows a creek, passes an old cabin from the ranching era, and ends just beyond a beautiful, hidden valley.

Elevation: 8,568 - 9,494 feet

This strenuous, 11-mile (17.7 km) out-and-back trail heads south from Valle San Antonio, up a narrow drainage, and then steadily climbs as it passes through several beautiful glades before terminating just below the summit of San Antonio Mountain. Good opportunities for wildflowers, especially in spring and fall.

Elevation: 8,394 - 9,922 feet

The South Mountain Trail (8.2 miles, 13.2 km round-trip) climbs up the north side of South Mountain. The trail passes through shady mixed conifer forest before reaching a lovely meadow at the top. Some of the best views of the south rim can be found at the summit.

Elk tend to rest on the eastern slope of South Mountain during the daytime, especially in the autumn months. Listen for distant bugles and watch for tracks along the trail. This is also a great location for birdwatching.

To reach the trailhead, park in the Cabin District and head south along El Cajete Trail for about 1.5 miles until you reach an intersection. Turn left onto the South Mountain Trail, and follow the blue diamonds to the top.

Elevation: 8,737 - 9,795 feet

The Rabbit Mountain Loop (2.9 miles, 4.7 km round-trip) contours along the southern rim of the caldera, offering great views of Valle Grande and Redondo Peak. The trail passes through shady aspen groves, open meadows, and parts of the Las Conchas wildfire burn scar. Burned areas with standing dead trees can be hazardous in high winds. The east end of the loop connects to the Alamo Boundary Trail at Bandelier National Monument, where pets are prohibited.

Elevation: 8,714 - 8,950 feet

The South Valle Grande Trail is a pet-friendly hike that descends the southeastern rim of the caldera to the edge of Valle Grande. Because this trail transitions between two habitat types—mixed conifer forest and montane grassland—it hosts great biodiversity and is a renowned wildlife viewing spot, especially at dawn and dusk. Bring your binoculars for best results!

Predominant plant species include blue spruce, ponderosa pine, foxtail, and yarrow. A variety of wildflowers adorn the edge of the trail throughout the summer months.

The South Valle Grande Trailhead is located on the north side of NM-4 near mile marker 43. Park in the paved lot on the south side of NM-4, opposite the trailhead. Please use caution when crossing the highway at the beginning and end of your hike.

Elevation: 8,653 - 9,081 feet

Follow the brown posts into the heart of the Valle Grande. This 0.8-mile (1.3 km) out-and-back hike will lead you to a constructed pond on La Jara Creek which served as a water source for cattle and sheep when this land was a private ranch. There are good opportunities for viewing elk, birds, and wildflowers. Be weather aware in the summer for sudden thunderstorms and in the winter for snow squalls.

Elevation: 8,504 - 8,517 feet

NOTE: The Posos Trail section of this route is currently closed. A trail reroute is scheduled to be built in 2026.

The Cerro Del Medio Loop is 13.8 miles (22.2 km) round-trip and combines 4 different trails within Valles Caldera: Obsidian Valley Trail, Posos Trail, Rincon Trail, and East Valle Grande Trail. Although this route is long, it is very nearly flat and may be hiked in either direction. If hiking the loop clockwise, begin by walking up the backcountry road and taking Obsidian Valley Trail at the next cable gate on the right. Hike up Obsidian Valley, past some of the largest specimens of obsidian you’ll likely ever see, and then stay right to circle Cerro del Medio lava dome via the Posos Trail. After passing through Valle de los Posos, keep right and take the Rincon Trail along the eastern edge of Cerro del Medio. You'll pass through Rincon de los Soldados and then take a right onto the East Valle Grande Trail to finish the loop with sweeping views of Valle Grande. Excellent opportunities for elk sightings. All resources within Valles Caldera National Preserve are federally protected. Collection is strictly prohibited and enforced. Extensive deadfall may be encountered in this area.

Elevation: 8,563 - 9,016 feet

A 0.5-mile (0.8 km) walk along the Sulphur Creek Trail leads hikers to Sulphur Springs, a site bubbling with geothermal features like acidic hot and cold springs, mudpots, and fumaroles. This area was once used for sulfur mining, geothermal energy exploration, and a hot springs health resort/spa.

For details about the geothermal features you'll encounter, check out the self-guided Sulphur Springs Geology Tour in the National Park Service smartphone app!

Elevation: 8,069 - 8,147 feet

While this 18.6-mile (29.9 km) out-and-back trail is the longest in the park, it is not steep, and it has much to offer: pretty, extensive aspen groves, hidden high meadows, excellent opportunities for elk sightings, and rarely seen views of Redondo Peak. This is a great trail for trail runners and mountain bikers.

Elevation: 8,343-10,189 feet