Jemez Springs, NM – Valles Caldera National Preserve will close its main entrance on November 22, 2018, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Hiking trails along New Mexico State Route 4, including the Coyote Call and Valle Grande trails, will remain open from sunrise to sunset. The main entrance will reopen November 23rd at 9:00 a.m.

“While Valles Caldera's main entrance will be closed on Thanksgiving so staff can enjoy the holiday with family and friends, it is my hope visitors will enjoy the scenic views from our trails accessible via NM State Route 4,” said Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos. 

Winter activities include hiking, mountain biking, equestrian riding, and East Fork fishing. Once the snows are deep enough, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are wonderful ways to explore the preserve. The Valle Grande Bookstore, managed by Los Amigos de Valles Caldera, will offer snowshoe rentals on site. Ranger-led van tours and guided hikes will be offered on weekends with dates and times posted on the preserve’s website calendar. The popular backcountry vehicle permits have been suspended for the winter season and will resume May 15, 2019, if road conditions allow.

All delayed openings and closures due to winter weather and road conditions will be posted as an alert on the preserve’s website here and on the school closures section of KRQE, KOAT, and KOB news websites

Winter hours for the preserve are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. For more information about the preserve and activities, please visit the website here or call 575-829-4100, option 3.