Valles Caldera Trails

Hiking routes within Valles Caldera range from flat strolls through montane grasslandsto 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 isa 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 trafficfrom 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 areimperative.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 snowmeltsaturates 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 ofviolent afternoonthunderstorms 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 comeproperly equipped with adequate clothing, including rain gear.Some routes pass through drainages or dry streambeds (arroyos), which can flood without warning. Fall: Valles Calderais quitelovelyfrom September through November ast...