Valles Caldera National Preserve

Valles Caldera National Preserve is a volcanic crater that lies atop a dormant supervolcano. Visitors enjoy the mountain meadows, streams, and wildlife.

This caldera, or volcanic crater, is a circular depression that is 12 to 15 miles in diameter with walls that stretch from a few hundred to over 2,000 feet above its floor.

The area offers a range of activities from camping, to hiking, fishing, horseback riding, exploring historic cabins and prehistoric sites, mountain biking, ranger-led activities, and more. It is home to an array of wildlife including Gunnison prairie dogs, coyotes, badgers, golden eagles, and the second largest elk population in New Mexico. Valles Caldera is a beautiful area with plenty of nature to experience, wildlife to discover, and land to explore.