Planning your trip
2009 Winter activities on the Valles Caldera National Preserve will begin on December 26, 2008, weather permitting and end on March 29th. Visitors will have several options for getting out in the snow. Skiing and snowshoeing activities will be available Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 4 PM. 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.
There are two ways to ski free on the Preserve. The Coyote Call Trail and surrounding area on the south side of the State Highway 4 are open for skiing, free of charge, everyday during daylight hours. In addition, two public appreciation days will be offered this season. On these days our regular skiing and snowshoeing activities will be offered free of charge.
There are no overnight accommodations on the Preserve this winter. We are working to upgrade our infrastructure and hope to include overnight accommodations in 2010 winter season.
Both day use, and night skiing permits are available as snow and weather permit. 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. 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 - 4pm) |
Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Day Pass (9am - 4pm) |
$10 | $8 | $5 | Free |
| Moon Light Pass (6:00pm - 10pm) |
$15 | $12 | $10 | Free |
Free Trail
The Coyote Call Trail and surrounding area on the south side of the State Highway 4 are open for skiing, free of charge, everyday during daylight hours. Please assist us in providing this free area by observing rules, posted signs 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.
Back to top
Public Appreciation Days
Two public appreciation days will be offered this season January 25th and March 1st! 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-4pm. No pets are allowed on the Preserve, only working assistance animals are allowed. Check in and check out are required to take advantage of this opportunity.
Back to top
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 yrs and older), $5 per youth (6-15 yrs), and free for kids 5yrs and younger. The Preserve will be open for skiing and snowshoeing activities on the following dates from 9 AM to 4 PM:
- December 26-31
- January 1-4,10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 24, 31
- February 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 28
- March 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
Moon Light Skiing
Special moonlit events will be offered if snow conditions permit. The dates for these events are January 10th, February 7th and March 7th,weather permitting. The moonlit events begin at 6:00pm and you must be back at the staging area by 10pm. Reservations are not required and permits may be purchased at the Valle Grande staging area. Fees are $15 per adult, $12 per senior (62 yrs and older), $10 per youth (6-15 yrs), and free for kids 5yrs and younger. Please come prepared for high elevation mountain weather and night conditions.
Back to top