Valles Caldera National Preserve

Visit the Valles Caldera National Preserve at a pleasant speed — from a horse-drawn wagon or sleigh. Matched draft horses take you through the Valle Grandefor ride of about 60 minutes. From aboard, you’ll experience the elements, notice the diverse plant and animal life (especially in summer), and possibly come eye-to-eye with a prairie dog, a coyote on the hunt, or elk. A guide will share the interesting history and lore of the “old Baca Ranch,” offering you insight into its past and its future.

This summer the wagon rides will take you through the Historic Headquarters area and the old growth History Grove. Here you’ll have a chance to enjoy the view from a lovely vantage point overlooking the Valle Grande.

The winter season offers a completely different experience found only in the vast snow-covered expanse of the largest valle on the preserve. You may spot hunting birds of prey (including Bald Eagles along the East Fork of the Jemez River), the ever-present coyote and often herds of elk. All share in the bounty of the preserve in any season. Routes will change in the winter and sleigh rides will begin as soon as snow coverage is adequate. Look for more information on winter sleigh rides in November. Reservations will begin sometime in December weather permitting.

With the deeper snows of winter, the horses will be hitched to a large horse-drawn sleigh for an experience you’ll long savor. (Note: When snow is not sufficient, a wagon will be used instead of the sleigh.)

Horse-drawn tours are a great alternative for those who are seeking an outdoor experience of a shorter duration and with less exertion than hiking or skiing.

Fees:

Adults $25
Children 15-and-under $15
20 percent discount for seniors 62-and-over

Meet your wagon ride shuttle by entering the main gate of the Valles Caldera National Preserve on State Highway 4, near mile marker 39. Proceed down the dirt road approximately 2 miles to the staging area. You will board your sleigh or wagon from here. Enjoy your ride

Our sleigh holds 12 adults comfortably and the wagon holds 15. Special arrangements may be made for large groups or additional dates or times by contacting us via email with your request including dates, numbers of participants, and expectations.

Due to concerns for wildlife, no pets, other than assistance dogs, will be permitted on the Preserve.

I look back on our wagon ride as one of the most lovely outdoor experiences I’ve ever had. It was a unique way to travel through a gorgeous and varied landscape and allowed us to savor it at an unhurried pace.

Carol Miller
Los Angeles, CA

Overview

I look back on our wagon ride as one of the most lovely outdoor experiences I’ve ever had. It was a unique way to travel through a gorgeous and varied landscape and allowed us to savor it at an unhurried pace. Carol Miller Los Angeles, CA

I look back on our wagon ride as one of the most lovely outdoor experiences I’ve ever had. It was a unique way to travel through a gorgeous and varied landscape and allowed us to savor it at an unhurried pace.

Carol Miller
Los Angeles, CA