Valles Caldera National Preserve
Current Crowd Level
🟡Moderate
Some visitors, parking usually available
Best: Weekday mornings
About 1.2 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created a 14-mile-wide circular depression in the earth 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.
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Entrance Fee
$25 per vehicle
✅
Permits
Not Needed
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Dogs
Not Allowed
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Accessibility
Limited
Accepted Passes
🦅America the Beautiful Pass
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Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
🟡Moderate
For thousands of years, groups of nomads used the caves above Cliff Dweller Creek as temporary shelter.
MONUMENTFree
Why go: Similar hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing experience
Around 211 miles away
