Valles Caldera National Preserve Backcountry Vehicle Timed Entry
Valles Caldera National Preserve
About 1.2 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 13-mile-wide circular depression now known as Valles Caldera. The park is home to vast mountain meadows, forested lava domes, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. Human history stretches back more than 11,000 years from when ancestral native peoples hunted wildlife and mined obsidian, and more recently ranchers raised sheep and cattle.
Immerse yourself in the heart of the caldera by taking a drive into the backcountry. You will find places for solitude, hear the running waters of the caldera’s streams, touch rocks formed millions of years ago, hike across meadows and through forests, or catch fish.
To travel the 18 miles of backcountry roads by vehicle, a Valles Caldera Backcountry Vehicle Pass is required. The daily limit of backcountry vehicles provides a truly personal experience while protecting natural processes.
Notifications and Alerts
Due to a severe weather front that moved in Sunday evening November 3, 2024, and forecasted to continue through the week, Valles Caldera National Preserve is closing the public backcountry motor vehicle route effective November 4, 2024. This early closure is necessary for public health and safety reasons. The public backcountry motor vehicle route will reopen to public motor vehicle access on May 15, 2025.
Need to Know
- Gate Code
You will receive a gate code via a follow-up email that you will need to use to continue into the backcountry. If you do not receive the gate code or forget it, please stop by one of the visitor facilities and present your backcountry vehicle pass to a ranger. They will provide you with your code.
- Timed Entry
Passes can be used for entry when the park opens. The pass is valid for entry for up to 6 hours after the stated time.
- Accessibility
You will need to enter the code into a keypad at the automated backcountry gate. If you need assistance, please stop by the Ranger Station near the backcountry gate and a park ranger will be happy to assist.
- Season
Backcountry travel is limited to the summer season, which generally runs May 15 to November 15 (weather-permitting). Inclement weather and wildfires may cause the backcountry vehicle route to be temporarily closed.
- Roads
Much of the backcountry route is dirt and prone to erosion. 4-wheel drive is not required; high clearance is recommended. Use care and good judgement while driving.
Be aware of wildlife on the road. They have the right-of-way at all times.
- Speed Limits
Speed limit is 10 mph (16 km/h) in developed areas around buildings and through prairie dog colonies. The speed limit is 20 mph (32 km/h) everywhere else within the park.
- Reservation Limit
One pass per private vehicle is required; reservation-holder must be in the vehicle or with the vehicle group at time of entry.
- No Pets
Pets are not allowed beyond the backcountry vehicle gate, including in your vehicle.
- Parking
Parking is limited in the backcountry. Please park in areas where vehicle traffic can continue along the road. Do not park in front of any gates. Park only in areas of bare ground as parking on grass can start a wildfire.
- Leaving the Park
Vehicles are required to return to New Mexico State Route 4 no later than the park closure time listed in the operating hours. Exit the park via the same route as entry.
- Cell Service
Cell phone reception is very limited within the backcountry.
- Pass Holders
Annual and Lifetime passes are accepted as your entrance fee, though entrance fees are currently suspended. See Fees and Cancellation section for valid entrance passes. Passholders will still be required to pay the $2.00 reservation fee.
- Fishing
Fishing within Valles Caldera National Preserve requires the purchase of a park fishing permit and New Mexico fishing license.
Booking Windows
Passes will be released for reservation on the first of each month in two sets of monthly batches:
- Beginning three months out: the first set of 10 passes for each day
- Beginning one month out: the second set of 25 passes for each day
In addition, we have added 5 first-come, first-served passes for each day. These will be available at the Entrance Station the day of, in addition to any of th 35 reservable passes that haven't been reserved by that day.
Changes and Cancellations
$2 non-refundable reservation fee
Contact Information
Mailing Address
39201 NEW MEXICO STATE ROUTE 4 Jemez Springs NM 87025
Phone Number
505-670-1612
