Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Day use permits are available at the Valle Grande staging area located two miles down the main Preserve road. No reservations are required. Cost of permits is $10 per adult, $8 per senior (62 yrs and older), $5 per youth (6-15 yrs), and free for kids 5yrs and younger.
Stargazing - Winter Skies
Who has not looked upward to a star-filled sky with wonder? As children, we are excited at the prospect of looking through a telescope for the first time, and we ask, "What is that? How did that come to be? What would it be like to visit that star?" As we grow older, we tend to not ask those questions as often, but nevertheless, our curiosity remains.
As an astronomical tour guide, Dr. James Maxwell's objective is to bring the wonder of the universe to both adults and children. During this two hour tour of the universe, you will be able to see for yourself many different wonders, including nearby planets. beautiful star clusters, the Milky Way, and spectacular distant spiral galaxies. You will explore worlds outside our solar system, see exploding stars and colliding galaxies, and view objects far across the known universe. You will be able to observe these objects through a large 24" telesope and learn about our place in the universe. Each tour of the night sky will be somewhat different, depending on the experience level of the audience and the date/time of the year.
One common thread is that we'll begin with the basics, so that everyone knows what to expect, how to observe through a telescope, and how to visualize the scale and nature of what they are seeing. Dr. Maxwell has been an avid amatuer and professional astronomer for over 28 years, and he has been able to teach this subject in ways that allow everyone to understand the universe around them and gain interest in the subject. So come with your questions and be ready for an evening of fun under the stars--in one of the most unusual and exciting places to see them: the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Event Length = 2 hours.
10:00 AM-11:00 AM Sleigh/Wagon Ride
Visit the Valles Caldera National Preserve at a good speed, from a horse-drawn wagon or sleigh. The 12 passenger sleigh ride will take about 60 minutes and offers an alternative to other modes of travel. Matched draft horses take you through the Valle Grande at a pleasant pace. From aboard, you will experience the elements, the solitude of winter, and possibly the wildlife of the Preserve. A guide will share the interesting history and lore of the old Baca Ranch, offering you insight into its past and its future.
Where To Go
The main gate to the Preserve will be open during business hours and is located at mile marker 39.2 along State Highway 4, 18 miles west of Los Alamos or 20 miles East of Jemez Springs. Proceed through the main gate and down the road approximately 2 miles to the Valle Grande staging area. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. It may not be possible to accommodate late arrivals.
Reservations are not required, but are recommended.
12:00 PM-1:00 PM Sleigh/Wagon Ride
Visit the Valles Caldera National Preserve at a good speed, from a horse-drawn wagon or sleigh. The 12 passenger sleigh ride will take about 60 minutes and offers an alternative to other modes of travel. Matched draft horses take you through the Valle Grande at a pleasant pace. From aboard, you will experience the elements, the solitude of winter, and possibly the wildlife of the Preserve. A guide will share the interesting history and lore of the old Baca Ranch, offering you insight into its past and its future.
Where To Go
The main gate to the Preserve will be open during business hours and is located at mile marker 39.2 along State Highway 4, 18 miles west of Los Alamos or 20 miles East of Jemez Springs. Proceed through the main gate and down the road approximately 2 miles to the Valle Grande staging area. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. It may not be possible to accommodate late arrivals.
Reservations are not required, but are recommended if you wish to guarantee your spot.
2:00 PM-3:00 PM Sleigh/Wagon Ride
Visit the Valles Caldera National Preserve at a good speed, from a horse-drawn wagon or sleigh. The 12 passenger sleigh ride will take about 60 minutes and offers an alternative to other modes of travel. Matched draft horses take you through the Valle Grande at a pleasant pace. From aboard, you will experience the elements, the solitude of winter, and possibly the wildlife of the Preserve. A guide will share the interesting history and lore of the old Baca Ranch, offering you insight into its past and its future.
Where To Go
The main gate to the Preserve will be open during business hours and is located at mile marker 39.2 along State Highway 4, 18 miles west of Los Alamos or 20 miles East of Jemez Springs. Proceed through the main gate and down the road approximately 2 miles to the Valle Grande staging area. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. It may not be possible to accommodate late arrivals.
Reservations are not required, but are recommended if you wish to guarantee your spot.