Valles Caldera Visitor Center

Ohana G

2024-04

This was a bucket list place, and we finally made it! Peaceful, scenic, beautiful, and loved it!

Allen Wickham

2023-06

What a wonderful place just right outside Los Alamos, you would think you were in the far off mountains! As you go from the tree lined rim of the crater, down to the bottom, you notice the transition to grassland/meadow. You also notice how much colder it is at the bottom of the crater then at the top, so be prepared for windy conditions, especially if you’re going to go on a hike. We loved the visitor center, and we found numerous items to purchase there, including the cool T-shirt my wife found me. There’s also elk herds in the caldera, but they didn’t make an appearance.

Rick Grajales

2023-10

The volunteers working at the visitor center where super nice and greeted everyone one so kindly. One of the volunteers had a scope set up to view elk. He was so happy to let people look through his scope and explained the bull’s behaviour. Not many places where visitors get such good experience with the staff

Ree

2023-08

I really enjoyed the park. 13.7 mile wide caldera. It’s most recent event was 1.25 million years ago. There are over two dozen bike and hiking trails. I recommend the Hidden Valley Trail. It’s considered easy and pass the Hidden Cabin. You needed a day pass to go to the Baca Ranch and some other places deeper in the park. The visitor center was nice and clean. Lots of good information from the rangers. Don’t forget to take your NP passport to stamp! The prairie dog crossing was a highlight 😍

STRYKEN Rock Band

2023-09

The pictures don't do it justice! We thought it might just be "ok" but it was amazing. We took the time to do the 1 hour backcountry drive (sign up BEFORE you go as they only permit either 10 or 25 per day depending on the time of the year). We had a picnic and then spent 2 hours dri with the backcountry dirt road.

M. O'Connor

2023-08

Outstanding customer service from the Park Rangers. They were helpful with advice, maps etc and super friendly. Lots of great gifts in there, don't skip it.

Gary Braden

2024-04

Super informative and engaging, Ranger Adam Dean was a superb representative of the National Park Service.

Gerard Sullivan

2023-10

Fabulous place to visit. Spend some time and you will see elk, coyotes and Prairie dogs amongst other wildlife. Have to watch all the movies filmed here next and see what I can recognize.

Brian Beckstrand

2023-05

Great place to check out. The people manning the visitor's center are incredibly helpful and friendly. They will rent snow shoes and other equipment. We couldn't go into the Caldera because of the snowmelt and roads. I will be coming back.

Robin Soltesz

2023-05

The views are spectacular. The back country drive was peaceful and gorgeous. We saw coyotes, praire dogs and lost of cows. You will never witness a bluer sky anywhere.

Riann Martinez

2023-05

We visited the Valles Caldera as a family. The ranger at the Visitor Center gave us excellent recommendations for short hikes. The kids can participate in the Junior Ranger program and earn a badge. Be prepared for a variation in weather and temperature if you plan to hike. Also expect to see a variety of animals, including coyote, prairie dogs, falcons, frogs, and elk.

Wendy Davies

2022-05

The Valles Caldera is a special place that is not to be missed. The drive is about an hour from Santa Fe and takes you over 9000 feet. I would not take our trailer with us up the steep windy roads. It is a spectacular drive with lots of viewpoints.We followed Google maps and it took us through the entry booth at Las Alamos. The driver had to show his driver's license then the gate was opened.The entrance station for the Valles Caldera is down a narrow gravel road that leads onto the caldera. Park Rangers are available to discuss hikes in the area, history and other roads to explore. They also had a brochure for the area with the geology of the caldera, etc.There was no fee to enter. It was suspended. We visited in April.

Ron Artigues

2023-11

Staff very helpful in assisting us to find a nice hike in the Caldera.

Randy Estrada

2023-05

We were visiting this place after having been to the Bandalier National Monument and it was pretty nice. The rangers at this station were super eager to teach us any little fact that they could think of and were extremely knowledgeable. I recommend asking for info even if you're going in blindly without having any idea what to expect at this place.

Lydia Jennings

2021-05

Situated at the basin of ancient volcano. Magnificent panoramic views. Plenty to explore with rivers and 115 foot tall trees. No handicap accessibility. Take headgear and water.

Erin Urban

2020-05

I can't say enough about how awesome this place is! Bring your mtn or gravel bike for extra fun on the gravel roads. The rangers are super knowledge and very helpful. Great place for hiking and exploring.

Aaron Atkinson

2023-10

Who doesn’t like volcanos, elk and a beautiful landscape. Great little stop to enjoy the beauty of creation.

SM K

2023-05

You are right on middle of caldera and there are park rangers ready helping you to spot elks and kayotes. Potty restroom available.

H. H

2020-05

Beautiful! I love this peaceful place! There are so many Prairie dogs around the road. Take a few minutes and walk around! I will come back and bring a good lens to take photos of those social animals. The day I visited was rainy and windy. Because of the elevation, it’s a little cold. So be aware of dress warm, and have you camera ready to catch images. See you next time, adorable prairie dogs!

James Rutkofske

2023-11

We went to the Valles Caldera to watch the eclipse on Saturday morning. There was plenty of parking and a widely unobstructed view of the sky. It was perfect, and the extinct volcanic caldera was beautiful. I'm so glad this area is now a public park and no longer private property.It is well-worth visiting at any time.

Ray Rodgers

2023-05

This is our regular destination. Still have miles of trails to explore. The energy here is very positive and cleansing.

Rhonda Brackett

2023-10

The Valle Caldera is an ancient volcano and we are pleased it is a National Monument...A beautiful place to visit when in the area...

Wayne Walk Jr

2023-05

Absolutely amazing and beautiful. Stop here to get permission and a pass to drive up to the cabin area for some stunning views! Very nice and professional staff.

Kathy Young

2021-05

Two mile gravel road from the highway, the ranger station was closed due to Covid19, but the rangers were outside & friendly and the bathrooms were clean. The trails were well maintained and the views were stunning.

Eric Morrison

2023-05

It is a great place with so much nature and geologic history.

Jessica W

2021-05

Amazing geology but pretty barren and the ranger posted there was the least helpful ranger I've ever encountered. Would have thought she would be happy to have visitors since the place is so empty.

Bob Depuy

2024-04

Longmire series cabin setting.

Katherine Mc

2023-07

I saw at least two visitor center buildings where you can go in to get your National Passport stamps and buy merchandise.

Greg Quillan

2024-04

Fascinating to learn the history and geology of the area. Staff was knowledgeable and helpful.

Emily Geisert

2023-07

This is an amazing area with beautiful scenery, cool history and neat views of animals. The ranges were amazing answering the many questions our son had, and directing us. Make sure you book the back country tour in advance.