Los Alamos Reporter

Valles Caldera Backcountry Road Work To Affect Traffic Apr. 18-29

Valles Caldera National Preserve/Photo Courtesy NPS

VCNP NEWS RELEASE

The backcountry road between the Valles Caldera National Preserve Entrance Station and the cabin district will be closed to all traffic during the weekdays from April 18 through April 29. Road crews will be improving that two-mile section of road for a better driving experience to the cabin district. During the weekend, travel will be available along the backcountry road as far as the horse barn northeast of the cabin district. 

Meanwhile, road grooming is being done on the rest of the backcountry roads currently closed for the season. All this work is in preparation of the opening of the backcountry roads on May 15 (weather dependent). 

During the road work, there is a wide range of opportunities available: 

  • Experience Valle Grande along the main road to the Entrance Station or from the pullouts along NM-4 
  • Hike the La Jara or Pond trails from the Entrance Station, the Coyote Call Trail, or the Valle Grande Trail 
  • Hike or bike into Valles Caldera National Preserve from the pedestrian pass-through gates at Banco Bonito, Redondo Meadow, Sulphur Canyon, or the VC-0401 
  • Fish the East Fork Jemez River 

For additional ideas, visit nps.gov/vall. 

Valles Caldera National Preserve
 About 1.25 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 13-mile wide circular depression now known as Valles Caldera. The preserve is known for its huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. The area also preserves the homeland of ancestral native peoples and embraces a rich ranching history. Visit us at nps.gov/vall. 

National Park Service
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 420+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at nps.gov.