Planning your trip
Winter activities on the Valles Caldera National Preserve will begin on December 27th, weather permitting and end on March 30th. Visitors will have several options for getting out in the snow. Skiing and snowshoeing activities will be available Saturdays and Sundays. This season we have six different night events planned. Moon light skiing and dark night skiing will allow the visitor a chance to experience 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.
For those folks interested in staying overnight we will be offering overnight skiing. The Bunkhouse will be available for weekend stays on the Preserve.
Both day use, and night skiing permits are available as snow and weather permit. No advance reservation 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 (6:30pm - 10pm) |
$15 | $12 | $10 | Free |
| Dark Night Pass (6:30pm - 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.
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Public Appreciation Days
Two public appreciation days will be offered this season January 21st and February 18th! 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.
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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 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:
- December 27-31
- January 1, 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
- February 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24
- March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
Moon Light Skiing
Special moonlit events will be offered if snow conditions permit. The dates for these events are January 19th, February 23rd and March 22nd from 6:30pm-10pm,weather permitting. The moonlit events begin at 6:30pm 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.
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Dark Night Skiing
Imagine yourself skiing across the Valle Grande on a dark night with a million stars overhead. Bring your own headlight or flashlight and head out to the History Grove. Turn off your lamps and savour the solitude and crisp mountain air. Dark sky nights are scheduled for January 5th, February 9th, and March 8th from 6:30pm-10pm weather permitting. 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.
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Overnight Skiing
This is a reservation based opportunity for an overnight experience on the Preserve. The bunkhouse is comfortably equipped with everything you need except food, clothing, sleeping bag and personal effects. The bunkhouse is located approximately 2 miles from the Valle Grande staging area and within 1 mile from the South Mountain trailhead.
A stay at the bunkhouse will cost $480 per night for up to 13 people, plus the $10 day pass per person per day. A security deposit of $150 is required and will be returned (minus damages) after check out. There are 13 weekends available this winter.
Facility Rental
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