Planning your trip
Winter activities on the Valles Caldera National Preserve will begin on December 22, 2011, weather permitting, and, if the snow stays, will end on March 4, 2012. Visitors will have several options for getting out in the snow. There are over 37 miles of trails to choose from ranging from easy to difficult. Almost 80% of our trails are groomed for both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Skiing and snowshoeing activities and Rentals in the Valle Grande will be available from 9 AM to 5 PM. Please visit our calendar for exact days the Valle Grande Staging Area is open. Our free days this year include Public Appreciation Day on December 22nd and Winter Trails Day on January 8th This season we have four 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.
There are no overnight accommodations on the Preserve this winter. We are working to upgrade our infrastructure and hope to include overnight accommodations in future winter seasons.
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 Recreation Hot Line at 505-216-2690 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 service animals are allowed.
| Event |
Adult (16 - 61) |
Seniors (62+) |
Youths (under 15) |
Kids (under 4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Free Trail (Daylight Hours) |
Free | Free | Free | Free |
|
Appreciation Days (9am - 4pm) |
Free | Free | Free | Free |
|
Day Pass (9am - 4pm) |
$10 | $8 | $8 | Free |
|
Moon Light Pass (6:00pm - 10pm) |
$10 | $8 | $8 | Free | 5-Day Pass | $40 | $32 | $32 | N/A |
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 space is limited for these free events, so please car pool.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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Free Days
Two free days will be offered this season, Public Appreciation Day on December 22nd
and Winter Trails Day on January 8th! 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 9:00AM-4:30PM out of the Valle Grande staging
area.
Parking space is limited for these free events, so please car pool. 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 (under 15 years), and
free for kids (under 4 years).
Five-Day Passes are available for $40.00 peradult, $32.00 per senior, or $32 per
youth. Five-Day Passes can be used by one person on five different days or by up
to five people for one day (a great way for a group to enjoy a day on the Preserve
for less).
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 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM:
- December 22-24, 29-31
- January 1-2, 6-8, 13-16, 20-22, 27-29
- February 3-5, 10-12, 17-20, 24-26
- March 2-4
Moon Light Skiing
Special moonlit events will be offered if snow conditions permit. On December 31,
start a new tradition by attending our 3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration from
6 PM – 1 AM. There will be fireworks, hot cider, refreshments and more. We will
have groomed trails to bonfires at two different locations. Fees are $25 per adult,
$20 per senior (62 yrs. and older), $20 per youth (6-15 years) and free for kids
5 years and younger.
The January 7th, February 4th and March 3rd moonlit events run from 6 PM -10 PM
and cost $10 per adult, $8 per senior (62 yrs. and older), $5 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. Back to top