Planning your trip
Winter activities on the Valles Caldera National Preserve will begin on December 26, 2009, weather permitting, and, if the snow stays, will end on March 21, 2010. Visitors will have several options for getting out in the snow.
Skiing and snowshoeing activities and Rentals in the Valle Grande will be available daily during the holiday season of December 26th thru January 3rd from 9 AM to 5 PM. After January 3rd, the Preserve will only be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 5 PM. In addition, we will be open for public appreciation days on December 28th and 29th. This season we have three night events planned. Moon light skiing will allow the visitor a chance to experience the magic of the Preserve after the sun goes down.
*FREE* The Coyote Call Trail and surrounding area on the south side of the State Highway 4 are open for skiing and snowshoeing, free of charge, everyday during daylight hours. (Delete information about public appreciation days.)
There are no overnight accommodations on the Preserve this winter. We are working to upgrade our infrastructure and hope to include overnight accommodations in 2011 winter season.
Both day use, and night skiing and snowshoeing permits are available as snow and weather allow. No advance reservations are required. You must check in and depart from the Valle Grande staging area two miles down the Preserve’s main road.
Driving Conditions: Only four-wheel drive or vehicles equipped with chains can enter the Preserve in snowy weather. Our north-facing road is plowed and snow-packed and can often be icy. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and have extra food, water, blankets and ample gas in your vehicle’s tank. In case of a white-out, stay with your car.
Call our Weather Line at 505-661-3333 for an updated message about current weather and snow conditions. Or follow us on Twitter for current conditions.
No pets are allowed on the Preserve, only working assistance animals are allowed.
| Event | Adult (16 - 61) |
Seniors (62+) |
Youths (6 to 15) |
Kids (under 6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trail (Daylight Hours) |
Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Appreciation Days (9am - 5pm) |
Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Day Pass (9am - 5pm) |
$10 | $8 | $5 | Free |
| Moon Light Pass (6:00pm - 10pm) |
$15 | $12 | $10 | Free |
Snowshoe Rentals
The Preserve now has a limited number of snowshoes and poles available for rent. Rental fees are $15 for adult-sized snowshoes and $10 for youth-sized snowshoes. Currently, snowshoe rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis, but we hope to have rental reservations available online in the future.
Free Trail
The Coyote Call Trail and surrounding area on the south side of the State Highway 4 are open for skiing and snowshoeing, free of charge, everyday during daylight hours. Please assist us in providing this free area by observing rules and posted signs, signing in/out on the trailhead register, and obtaining permits for any activities conducted on the north side of State Road 4. Parking may be limited. Please use extreme caution if crossing the highway. No pets are allowed on the Preserve, only working assistance animals are allowed.
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Public Appreciation Days
Two free public appreciation days will be offered this season, December 28th and 29th! Bring the whole family out to take advantage of the skiing opportunities on the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Free skiing and snowshoeing will be offered from 9AM-5PM. No pets are allowed on the Preserve, only working assistance animals are allowed. Check in and check out at the Valle Grande staging area are required to take advantage of this opportunity.
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Day Pass
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 years and older), $5 per youth (6-15 years), and free for kids 5 years and younger. No pets are allowed on the Preserve, only working assistance animals are allowed. The Preserve will be open for skiing and snowshoeing activities on the following dates from 9 AM to 5 PM:
- December 26-31
- January 1-3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 30, 31
- February 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 27, 28
- March 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
Moon Light Skiing
Special moonlit events will be offered if snow conditions permit. On December 31, start a new tradition by attending our Fire & Ice New Year’s Eve Celebration from 6 PM – 1 AM. There will be fireworks, hot cider, refreshments and more. Fees are $25 per adult, $20 per senior (62 yrs and older), $15 per youth (6-15 years) and free for kids 5 years and younger. The January 30 and February 27 moonlit events run from 6 PM -10 PM and cost $15 per adult, $12 per senior (62 yrs and older), $10 per youth (6-15 years) and free for kids 5 years and younger. Visitors should come prepared for high elevation, winter mountain weather and night conditions.
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