The best camping near Valles Caldera National Preserve

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Valles Caldera National Preserve adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Valles Caldera National Preserve

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

  • Ridgetop Oasis - Hike In
  • Ridgetop Oasis - Hike In
  • Ridgetop Oasis - Hike In
100%
(1)

Ridgetop Oasis - Hike In

1 site · Lodging200 acres · Santa Fe, NM
Indulge in captivating sunrises and enchanting sunsets at your own private campsite. Nestled atop a ridgeline, this oasis is a mere 20 minutes from downtown Santa Fe and 10 minutes from the village of El Dorado, yet it feels like a secluded haven in the heart of the high desert. Your lodging experience includes an enclosed shelter with windows/sliding door, a cozy bed, solar power for lighting and charging phones, a propane camp stove, and an outhouse equipped with a composting toilet. A one lb Coleman propane bottle is available for $10 (what it costs me). Or you are welcome to bring your own. Please read the following details carefully: This site requires a hike in. No vehicles are permitted beyond the cattle gate. Potable water is available upon request, but we prefer that you BYO. Please let me know what you need in advance of your arrival. This is a primitive shelter. There is no running water nor electricity (aside from a solar light). It's just like camping but with walls and a roof over your head - and the benefit of having no other campers around. You might see an occasional hiker with their dog. If you have a dog, take note. This site is completely fenced in so that your fur baby can safely roam. There is no heating or cooling. The desert can get cold at night. Hipcampers are kindly asked to park just outside our gate and embark on a picturesque 3/4 mile hike back to the shelter. The hike, though flat, offers scenic views and adds to the adventure of your stay.
Pets
Toilets
Cooking equipment
from 
$55
 / night
  • Little Valley Camp
  • Little Valley Camp
  • Little Valley Camp
100%
(1)

Little Valley Camp

3 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Chamisal, NM
*Prefer to text because of limited cell service*Semi-remote lush valley surrounded by national forest 8000 ft in the ponderosas.We came here in 1989 with intentions to live off the grid and among nature. Raised our kids here in a school bus and cabin. I put up the teepee in the summers and move the kitchen outside. We hold the land with high respect, plant trees, and enjoy the peace of the forest. Some people have stayed here for a night, others for many months. *Hosting through Hip Camp for the first time in the summer of 2021.* Looking forward to welcoming new visitors and working together to create a great experience for everyone. 
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night
  • Two Hawk Ranch
  • Two Hawk Ranch
  • Two Hawk Ranch
98%
(31)

Two Hawk Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Llano, NM
Two Hawk Ranch is comprised of 12 acres of high mountain valley meadows, hay fields, Acequias, trees and the Rio Chiquito. Yes, we are located at approximately 7,800ft elevation. My husband and I stumbled across this beautiful and serene property by accident in 2020 just as Covid hit. We feel blessed to be here and feel the need to share it’s calming, restful qualities. We have three adult children and have three grandchildren. We also have eight international children as we hosted international students for four years. You are welcome to come sit by the fire and be social or just do your own thing. Learn more about this land: Sites located across the property for up to 8 groups. The RV camping is located near one of our horse corrals and above our irrigation Acequia, above or next to the house, or in the field down by the arena after haying is complete (usually after the first week of July as long as the rain cooperates). Can back in or pull through and has 110v power nearby. No water to hook up to, but we can fill your tanks via hose by the house or arena. Other sites available if you don’t need power, or have a generator.  Property is within a 100yds of national forest service that gives access to off-roading, hiking, biking, horse riding, fishing, and winter snowshoeing, cross country skiing, etc. We are located just off the High Road to Taos in Llano, 29 miles south of Taos and 55 miles north of Santa Fe. We are eight miles from Ski Sipapu and eight miles from Rio Santa Barbara Canyon.  Your well-behaved pets are welcome. We also have one great dane (Raggy), a great dane mix (The Morrigan), one ranch cat (Sasha) and four horses (Gentry, Shadow, Mattie & Jr G). The dogs are a rescue of some kind. The Morrigan is black, 3.5 yrs old and comes out of a rescue in AZ. She went in with her litter as a 5 month old puppy, and she came here about a year later. She is reticent and suspicious, so ignore her and she will come up to you on her own; continue to ignore her. Ragnar (Raggy) is our most recent rescue and is from Las Cruces. He's 3 yrs old and a merle. He suffers from anxiety and fears children. We are working him through his fears, and he is doing really well. The weather here tends to run cooler, as we are located in the mountains in a small valley at approximately 7,800 ft above sea level. In the spring through fall, temps will average from mid 40°F up to mid 60°F at night and mid 60°F up to mid 90°F during the day. Temps can get into the 100°F's in the summer, but that is rare. Generally if the sun is out, it is warm or hot even tho the actual temps are not. It's a high-altitude affect. The opposite is true as well. Cloud cover will feel cooler. We also experience monsoon style rains that occur in the afternoon generally starting in July and running into August or later. In the late fall through early spring during winter, the average temps usually run from 0°F up to mid 20°F at night with occasional dips into negative temps and in the day generally run from mid 20°F up to the mid 40°F range. Same as above - if the sun is out, it will feel warmer, etc. We do hay the fields, so we may have tractor activity going on in the late spring and early summer. In the winter we will be clearing snow from the roads and feeding hay. Can't wait to see everyone this year!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
  • Cliff Drive
  • Cliff Drive
  • Cliff Drive
100%
(7)

Cliff Drive

1 site · RV1 acre · Rio Rancho, NM
1 acre property RV full hookups (water/sewerand electric) available outside of the home. Plenty of parking space available, secure area with automatic gates! Biking available in area around Rio Rancho, hiking in the Sandias. Balloon fiesta will be approaching. Local breweries close by in area.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$55
 / night
  • RoadRunner Coyoté Retreat
  • RoadRunner Coyoté Retreat
  • RoadRunner Coyoté Retreat
100%
(3)

RoadRunner Coyoté Retreat

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Coyote, NM
Nature's allure knows no bounds at RoadRunner Coyoté Retreat: Embrace Mother Nature as she guides you to discover the depths of your soul. Find sanctuary here, tailored to your desired level of comfort and simplicity. Choose accommodations that resonate with you, whether you seek comfort or a closer connection to nature. With 40 gated acres, come with just your basic needs, and let RRCR cater to your wide range of accommodation preferences. Tents and a small camper are even available when arrangements are confirmed well in advance. As part of your booking, consider the extras offered for Interspiritual Companioning or An Encounter With the Land.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$12
 / night
  • GONNA DO RANCH
  • GONNA DO RANCH
  • GONNA DO RANCH
100%
(1)

GONNA DO RANCH

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Cuba, NM
The Gonna Do Ranch is one-half mile from Highway 550, on the north side of Los Pinos. The ranch is convenient, to charge your battery, fill your water, sleep, then hit the road in the morning. Two rv sites. One with 30 amp, ,and water, one without. Both are easy back in, or drive though. Restaurants, groceries, gasoline and diesel fuel are one mile in Cuba. We don’t offer a toilet, or shower. Dogs are absolutely welcome, though the ranch is not fenced. Dump your holding tanks at fairgrounds, three miles from the ranch, local gas station/minimart The fee is ~$12.00.
Pets
Potable water
from 
$35
 / night
  • Cholla from the property
  • Boondocking Out West
  • Cholla from the property
100%
(6)

Boondocking Out West

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Rio Rancho, NM
Learn more about this land:We are located on a Mesa with 360* Mountain View’s! The sunrise and sunset is spectacular! The full moon is a great time to camp as well as the new moon if you are into night photos!
Trash
from 
$27
 / night
  • There is a great shower available
  • The nature hikes in the area are close by and definitely worth a visit
  • There is a great shower available
100%
(91)

Abiquiu Tiny House

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Abiquiu , NM
 Situated at 6300 ft. above sea level the Chama River Valley is surrounded by forested mountains. There is white water rafting on the Rio Chama and Rio Grande Rivers nearby during spring and summer. Within an hour there are ski areas at Taos and Santa Fe during the winter. Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is 17 miles away and has a full spa and restaurant. There are beautiful hiking trails throughout the area and Abiquiu Lake is less than 20 minutes away. The location of the Tiny House is in a quiet, private and beautiful setting. Abiquiu Lake is only 15 minutes away for fun swimming, Ghost Ranch is 20 minutes away and has 3 beautiful hikes. Santa Fe and Taos are 60 minutes away. The tiny house is a healthy house built on the golden mean and has no electrical radiation inside except wi-fi. All material used are nontoxic.Notable aspect. There are no pets allowed on the property. 
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$70
 / night

Top-rated campgrounds near Valles Caldera National Preserve

  • A smaller kitchen setup closer to the treehouse.
  • Santa Fe Treehouse Camp
  • A smaller kitchen setup closer to the treehouse.
98%
(1377)

Santa Fe Treehouse Camp

61 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents156 acres · Santa Fe, NM
This is a non-smoking, no candle facility. The camp was founded 40 years ago as a summer camp for kids. Now we welcome adults, and other groups to enjoy the vast and wild high desert nature up on this ridge. There are beautiful views and access to Shaggy Peak, the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. Wander our land to enjoy various level hiking trails including a 20 minute hike to a creek and waterfall in the forest (some steep spots and creek is intermittent) or climb up Shaggy Peak (seasoned hikers only please). NOTE: We are up 1.3 miles of dirt road (with 5-7+% grade in a few short stretches) and are not near public transportation so you will need your own vehicle! Be aware that the roads can be snowy, icy or muddy and rutted ( 4-wheel or All-trak recommended in certain times of year). We don’t guarantee the road will be plowed.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
  • Spot #1: Riverside loungers
  • River Sanctuary by Ojo Hot Springs
  • Spot #1: Riverside loungers
96%
(184)

River Sanctuary by Ojo Hot Springs

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · La Madera, NM
Learn more about this land: Lush high desert river oasis nestled in a fertile valley in the Carson National Forest right between the fiery expanse of Taos and the rolling colorful formations of Abiquiu. Peaceful and private 3 acres right by the river at the edge of a little quaint town called La Madera (145 people, no shops)- just 6 miles to the healing mineral Hot Springs of Ojo Caliente, a place of emergence or rebirth as known to the local Natives. Right by the river, held by a ridge (that makes for amazing sunset hikes), I have a 16ft Yurt Canvas set up with furnishings (desk, couch, wash stand) and a wooden Queen Bed with down bedding. This site can only be reached by foot across the river via stumps- a car can be parked near by.. approx. 50ft.  I also have a Vintage Camper that can be heated, has a kitchen, electricity and plenty of outdoor furniture with a fire pit and serene mountain views. As well as a monastic and very grounding Ensuite Bedroom, or a simple campsite if you want to bring your own camper or tent. All facilities have access to a guest bathroom inside the main house. I offer dog sitting while you soak at Ojo, healing modalities that you'll find in the Extras section, and my dear neighbor Jackie takes appointments for massages with homemade essential oils. +++ 6 miles to Ojo Caliente Hot Springs. There you will find the best restaurant in the area, with locally/organically farmed produce. The land is naturally and beautifully wild- it is not a manicured campsite. The dirt rd down to the property is best suited for higher clearance vehicles, but is manageable for city cars.  With land by the river comes the mosquitos- June to August only. They are predominantly active during sunrise and sunset; long loose fitting clothes and a repellent work great. Waterhole, Waterfall and climbing sites near by, as well as Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch and the Taos Gorge are 30 mins drive away.  *No cell service in the greater area. WiFi reaches around the house/deck and allows for WiFi Calling: that’s a setting in your phone that enables phone calls & texts beside usual internet access.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
  • Breakfast
  • Little kitchenette on the right, seating area, showers on the left
  • Breakfast
99%
(790)

Star Dance High Desert Retreat

9 sites · Tents50 acres · Youngsville, NM
Visit the startling beauty of the plateaus above Lake Abiquiu in northern New Mexico. Star Dance provides a secluded experience for travelers, artists, fishermen, birdwatchers, stargazers, and more. Star Dance sits above the upper Rio Chama canyons on 30 acres of trails and undisturbed natural terrain. **ATTENTION POTENTIAL GUESTS** Recently we've had a rash of guests who, either through the difficulties with using the mobile app or just not reading our provided information, have been arriving passed our check in time. We require guests to arrive no later than an hour before sundown (summer 7:30pm - winter 5:00pm) We require this because we are very rural and our sites are not lit to keep our property natural and prevent light pollution for ourselves and our neighbors. In the past we've issued refunds for people who have neglected this rule. We will no longer be doing so in the future.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
  • Rio Grande Camp
  • Rio Grande Camp
  • Rio Grande Camp
100%
(13)

Rio Grande Camp

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Embudo, NM
Enjoy river side camping with amenities. This is a great swimming and fishing spot with gorgeous views. Catch and release fishing only please. Four local wineries, and a brewery all within 5 miles. 110v and 50amp 240v power. level 2 ccs EV charger available upon request. Drinking water spigot on site. There are no bathrooms or trash facilities here, you’re responsible for your waste. The parking area can accommodate class c RV, vans, full size trucks and small to medium size trailers. Too tight for large RV
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$36
 / night
  • Rancho Algo Mas
  • Looking across the pond toward North Pond site, foreground . There is about an acre of campsite area in the background.
  • Rancho Algo Mas
97%
(16)

Rancho Algo Mas

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · Ohkay Owingeh, NM
This land was previously undeveloped when we bought it in 2011, having only been used as horse grazing land and chile production in the 1960s. It is characteristic of inherited irrigated properties in the area and is about 150 ft wide and half a mile long that extends from the traditional irrigation ditch (acequia) at the top of the property to the river drainage. In the 1940s the Chile Line Railroad ran through here on the way to Espanola. Learn more about this land: Nestled in the river valley halfway between Taos and Santa Fe, near the confluence of the Rio Chama and the Rio Grande, this off-grid property is just north of Ohkay Owingeh, where indigenous settlements have existed for many centuries due to rich soil and available ground and surface water. In the 1500s settlers from Mexico came to farm land for New Spain. These historical Spanish and Native influences and identities run deep in this area, as well as the more recent influences of hippie dropout culture in Taos, Ojo Caliente, and Dixon. We have lots of book recommendations if you want to learn more about the complexity of culture and identity in northern New Mexico. Our 5 acres property is a narrow agricultural strip that extends from the irrigation acequia (ditch) at the top of the property down through a dense bosque (forest), ending in a path to the placid river bend of the Rio Grande. The campsites lie midway, among the privacy of the cottonwood bosque and adjacent pond. It is a short walk to a riverside perch with stairs to the shallow water and kayak launch. Other activities on the property include visiting the goats, chickens, and our friendly dogs, playing on the scrap-built playground, swinging on the pond swing, wading in the river, fishing, and doing some beginner kayaking the pond. This property is at its best late Spring through mid Fall when all is green, the pond is full and river is cool. Winter camping is still doable but may include snow, frozen pond, and leafless trees, and sandhill cranes. The site has a nice firepit and we have lots of wood. Summertime means mosquitos so come prepared with some serious sprays or creams- and don't bother with citronella candles, they won't be effective here. You will have a lot of privacy in the bosque, and it is relatively quiet from urban noise. You will be in agricultural and farm country, so you will be amongst the sounds of roosters, sheep, goat, peacocks and horses doing their thing in the farm land all around you. There can be dogs barking so if any of this noise bothers you you will want to bring earplugs.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
  • Tierra del RavenTree
  • Tierra del RavenTree
  • Tierra del RavenTree
99%
(82)

Tierra del RavenTree

1 site · RV, Tent18 acres · Placitas, NM
Ultimate peace and privacy. Nestled in juniper-wooded hills with sweeping views. Close to Albuquerque (20 minutes) and Santa Fe (40 minutes) but feels like a secluded retreat. Most people have no problem finding my place by entering my address in their GPS. However, I have had 2 HipCampers report their GPS directed them to a road called Camino de las Brisas or Las Brisas Loop. Turning here will lead you to a steep, dangerous road where it will be very difficult to turn around if you're in an RV and impossible with a trailer. Continue on Camino de Las Huertas to Senda Osa Vieja. It's marked with a street sign, a stone monument with brass plate. There's also a blue "private road" sign with a dragon. This land was purchased in 1956 by my archeologist parents because of the ancient pueblo site (dating from 1000 A.D.) and pit house sites (dating from 800 A.D.) Until the mega drought seriously impacted the land, a stream ran through it year round. Now it is only intermittent. Across the valley from this property, and within view of the campsite, is the site of a Spanish Colonial village, San Jose de las Huertas. It dates from the 1700s and is now owned by the Archeological Conservancy. This area is rich in history both Native American and Spanish. Learn more about this land: Located in the high desert 20 minutes from Albuquerque and 40 minutes from Santa Fe. Views of Sandia mountains, and near historic archeological sites. Within a 10 minute drive are popular mountain biking trails. Petroglyphs are a 20 minute, moderately strenuous hike from property. Very peaceful, quiet and safe. Read all the Rules and Safety info before booking so you understand exactly what facilities are and are not available, particularly if you in an RV or trailer.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$25
 / night
  • Rancheros De Santa Fe Resort
  • Rancheros De Santa Fe Resort
  • Rancheros De Santa Fe Resort
100%
(8)

Rancheros De Santa Fe Resort

97 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Santa Fe, NM
Located just minutes away from the heart of historic Santa Fe, Rancheros de Santa Fe RV Park is nestled in a serene and tranquil environment surrounded by lush trees and natural beauty. Our RV park offers a range of amenities to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable, including a swimming pool, picnic area, dog park, propane station, and more.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$59
 / night
  • Mesa top camping
  • Mesa top camping
  • Mesa top camping
97%
(151)

Mesa top camping

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Madrid, NM
Set above the historic town of Madrid N.M. is Waldo Mesa. The location of past mining operations and stunning Vista's.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
  • Calm is in the air.
  • DTH is a beautiful piece of high desert property with mountain views all around.
  • Calm is in the air.
99%
(74)

Dancing Trees High Desert Hideaway

5 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Eldorado At Santa Fe, NM
Star gazers and solitude seekers rejoice. Your peaceful hideaway with rolling hills, blooming cactus, mountain views, and all the tranquility the high desert is known for awaits. Located just 4 miles off the Turquoise Trail, enjoy 14 acres of private camping and hiking. Convenient and easy driving to both Santa Fe and Madrid, and only 45 minutes to Albuquerque. Wifi near house. You can chill on the casita patio if you need to check email. Otherwise, be prepared to enjoy being off grid for a minute. (Pretty good cell signal throughout property except at bottom of hill and Arroyo.) We offer 3 sites currently as well as a small guest suite.
Pets
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from 
$27
 / night
  • Javali River Glamping
  • Javali River Glamping
  • Javali River Glamping
99%
(44)

Javali River Glamping

9 sites · Lodging5 acres · Abiquiu, NM
Nestled in the bosque of the Abiquiu valley, filled with tall, majestic cotton woods and softly fragrant Russian olives. At sunset, the sky opens up to amazing beauty and the swallows begin their nightly swooping over the river. Very near by are locally owned cafes and historic places to visit. The Abiquiu valley is filled with music, arts, studio tours, spas, hot springs, lake recreation, fishing, hikes, and so so many spectacular things to see and experience. Some nearby highlights include Abiquiu lake, Plaza Blanca and Ghost Ranch, with many hidden gems in between. Reach out to us if you have any questions about local activities. We have uniquely remodeled vintage and modern, trailers and an Airstream available to rent in a lush, grassy field . The field is very open, we have some mature trees and have just planted some new, baby cottonwoods. We have a screened in gazebo with a propane fireplace, a gas BBQ, outdoor shower, kayaks and hammocks for all to enjoy. Please do not be shy. Introduce yourself to the other campers. Share stories, make s’mores. Sing songs!! Our yoga, meditation and meeting space is now open. If you are interested in booking this space for private use, please contact us to tell us what you are planning. We, live onsite at the edge of the resort area. Please respect our neighbors by remaining within the "Glamp Zone" This glamp zone occupies only 1.25 acres. Part of our mission in creating this space is to bring folks together. We encourage campers to mingle. Maybe organize a group float down the Chama. The float from just above Bodes to our very own shore is wonderful. It takes about two hours. There is one challenging spot, but beside that, the float is calm and tranquil. Please be aware, we have cats, chickens, goats, donkeys, horses and dogs that live on the property. Your pets are welcome only if they are guaranteed to not pester or hurt our posse of pets. Also, we will not tolerate excessive barking or inappropriate running around or bothering ourselves or other guests. You must pick up all your and your pets waste and take it with you when you leave. We look forward to hosting you and sharing the fortune of this beautiful and stunning place. See you soon!!!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$90
 / night
  • The Dove
  • The Dove
  • The Dove
100%
(12)

The Dove

9 sites · Lodging, RVs38 acres · Glorieta, NM
Slow down and take some time to relax. We are located in the Santa Fe National Forest. A beautiful secure wooded retreat filled with gorgeous landscape of mountains, caves and scenic hikes. World class mountain biking trails and hiking trails on and near property. The trailhead for Cairn Me Up and Jagged Axe Loop and the High Five Zipline is 4.5 miles from The Dove. Seasonal creek and rock formations. Three private and quiet tent sites. Cell reception for most carriers and Wi-Fi at the shared guest pavilion. Retreat is 30 minutes to the Santa Fe Plaza and all that Santa Fe has to offer. Non-aggressive dogs can be off leash and there are endless trails for hiking them. There are 4 on-site dogs. There is a large pavilion for guest's use. One person privy. Potable water available for filling containers.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
  • Elk Ridge Ranch
  • Elk Ridge Ranch
  • Elk Ridge Ranch
100%
(81)

Elk Ridge Ranch

1 site · RV7 acres · Placitas, NM
Park your RV up to 40 foot overlooking a beautiful pond and endless Mountain Views. Enjoy our Bison and Elk roaming near your campsite, you can even feed them apples out of your hand! You can swim in the crystal clear pond and enjoy the endless stars at night. We have 50 amp service and sewer hookup. Pets are welcome if well behaved and leashed because of the resident animals. Only 45 minutes to Santa Fe and 20 minutes to Albuquerque. Explore the great Southwest attractions: Tent Rocks, Bandolier National Monument, Chaco Canyon, Coronado Monument, and Sandia Tramway. Excellent hiking and biking area. Less than an hour to Santa Fe Ski area and 2 hours to Taos Mountain.
Potable water
Trash
from 
$85
 / night

The best camping near Valles Caldera National Preserve guide

Overview

About

When a volcano erupted 1.25 million years ago, it laid the foundations for this breathtaking park. A volcanic depression 13 miles wide astounds even the most cynical traveler. Explore this 89,000-acre preserve, and enjoy outdoor recreation year round.

Unique landscapes surround the crater of a dormant supervolcano. See volcanic domes, sweeping valley meadows, and streams. Explore the Historic Cabin District. There's no camping in the park as of 2018. However, there are miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders (strictly BYOH—Bring Your Own Horse). Our advice: Hike La Garita on the north rim for the best views of Valles Caldera.

The park's elevation is 8,000 feet, so packing plenty of water is a smart move. Cell coverage in the park is also limited, so get ready for an unplugged experience. Stop by the Valle Grande Bookstore to stock up on drinks and snacks.

If fly-fishing is your vice, don't miss the 6.5-mile segment of the Jemez River. Thousands of brown trout inhabit the river and nearby streams. While you're casting a line, keep an eye out for prairie dogs, mountain bluebirds, and elk—the park has the largest population in New Mexico.

Each season at the Valles has its highlights. Spring and early summer are the time to see wildflowers. Fall is gorgeous (think golden aspens). But if you're traveling from September through December, keep in mind it's elk hunting season—wear orange to stay safe.

Visit in the winter to enjoy cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Traverse miles of groomed trails, or chart a course through the backcountry. You can rent snowshoes and poles (but not skis) at the Valle Grande Bookstore.

Valles Caldera is one of the wildest spots in the state. While it may be rustic, the park is truly a nature lover's paradise.

Top parks near Valles Caldera National Preserve

Great Sand Dunes National Park
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Santa Fe National Forest
Petrified Forest National Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Canyonlands National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Top cities near Valles Caldera National Preserve

Albuquerque
Taos
Los Alamos
Socorro
Denver
El Paso
Colorado Springs
Salida

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