LO NM | Discover Valles Caldera at Valles Caldera National Preserve – Jemez Springs, NM

Explore Valles Caldera!

A Guided Hike with Latino Outdoors NM

Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 9:30 AM

Join Latino Outdoors New Mexico and Valles Caldera National Preserve for a guided hike through one of New Mexico's most incredible landscapes!

We'll spend the day exploring the beautiful scenery of Valles Caldera while learning about the area's unique natural and cultural history. A member of the Valles Caldera team will guide our group, sharing stories and insights about this special landscape along the way.

This will be a moderate, 5-mile roundtrip hike (2.5 miles each way), with a gradual elevation gain of less than 500 feet on the way out. We'll take our time exploring, enjoying the scenery, and learning along the way, with a stop for lunch before heading back. It's a one hour drive to the trailhead from our meeting point at the cabin district.

Be sure to pack a lunch, along with plenty of water and snacks!

Plan for approximately 5 hours for the full experience.

Whether you've visited Valles Caldera before or this is your first time, we'd love for you to join us!

Event Details

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026

Meeting Time: 9:30 AM

Meeting Location: Valles Caldera National Preserve – Cabin District

Hike Length: 5 mile roundtrip

Duration & Difficulty: Approximately 5 hours. We'll move at a moderate pace, and stop to enjoy lunch together halfway through the walk.

Recommended Ages: 13+, based on the anticipated length and difficulty of the hike. Families are welcome to consider what feels appropriate for their children.

Group Size: Limited to 15 participants

Cost: Valles Caldera charges a $25 per-vehicle entrance fee for backcountry access. A valid National Parks Pass covers this fee.

Backcountry Access & Entrance Fees

We've arranged for backcountry access for our group, so participants will not need to make their own backcountry reservations.

However, the preserve's $25 per-vehicle entrance fee still applies unless you have a valid National Parks Pass.

Transportation & Carpooling

Participants are welcome to drive directly to the Cabin District, where we'll meet at 9:30 AM.

If you're interested in carpooling, there may be opportunities to connect with other attendees traveling from Santa Fe, Albuquerque, or nearby communities.

There is also a parking area within the preserve, before the backcountry access road, where attendees may choose to consolidate into fewer vehicles and share entrance costs.

Carpooling is entirely optional and coordinated by participants themselves. Latino Outdoors can help interested attendees connect ahead of the outing to discuss possible arrangements.

We'll follow up with registered participants about their transportation plans and share additional meeting details as we get closer to the event.

Weather & Hiking Conditions

November weather in the mountains can be unpredictable! The final hiking route will depend on trail and weather conditions, and we may need to adjust the location or cancel the outing if conditions are unsafe.

Everyone Is Welcome!

We want everyone to feel welcome at Latino Outdoors events! This outing will involve moderate hiking on natural terrain, but we recognize that everyone's abilities and comfort levels are different.

If you have questions about whether this outing is a good fit for you or your family, please reach out. We're happy to share information and help you make the best decision for yourself.

Space is limited to 15 participants, so please register in advance!