Photo of a group of mountain bike riders getting ready for a ride.

Special Events Overview

The Valles Caldera National Preserve hosts a wide array of special events, from special guided tours for your group or family to mountain bike events. We offer programs designed to get you out onto the Preserve for a day of exploration and discovery.

Artist's Events | Mountain Bike Tours | Run The Caldera Marathon
Youth Fishing Clinics | Adult Fly Fishing Clinics | Group Tours

Schedule your event

Some events may be reserved on line by following the links above. Others may need to be scheduled by staff. If you have a large group or special needs please contact us at (505)661-3333 for more information regarding your Special Event.

Artist's Events

These are opportunities for artists to practice their craft in the Caldera. Each of these events will take a limited number of artists to specific locations on the Preserve. Locations and times will vary, so be sure and read the details of what you are signing up for. In general we will shuttle you to the event location, point out the features, and let the Preserve inspire you.

Artist's Events Details
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Youth Fly Fishing Clinics

VCT staff, along with knowledgeable volunteers, conducts fly fishing clinics for youths, allowing up to 20 youths the opportunity to fish the headwaters of the East Fork on the Preserve. Youths(8-16yrs old) spend a half day learning about tackle, knots and insects. They will have time to practice their casting in the morning and then head for the fishing hole in the afternoon. Bring a lunch to enjoy along the stream and be prepared for weather. This activity is extremely popular, so sign up early. Parents are asked to drop youths off and come back at the end of the day.

$15/person
Youth fly fishing clinic dates and details.
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Adult Fly Fishing Clinics

Bob Gerding's Outdoor Adventures, along with other well known NM fishing experts and authors, conduct a full day fly fishing clinic for adults. These clinics consist of a half day of instruction which takes place at the lodge and includes tackle, equipment, stream insect sampling and identification, and casting techniques. Participants perfect their casting techniques on the Valle Grande, lunch is served, and the class heads out to the San Antonio River for an afternoon of putting new skills to the test. Having a fishing guide along makes for a special learning experience as well as a successful day of catching fish. Rental equipment is available for $30/day payable the day of the clinic.

Adults $150/ person including lunch
Adult fly fishing clinic dates and details.
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Run The Caldera Marathon

Here’s a challenge for you! The third annual, Run the Caldera Marathon, takes place on Saturday June 14, 2008. This marathon provides a great opportunity to run at over 8000 feet of elevation and see most of the Preserve. The course follows old logging roads through the forest and up and down the mountains with some spectacular views. During this picturesque run you will experience over 2,100 feet of elevation change. Aid stations will be spaced approximately every 3 miles.

There will be no race day registration.

Registration: $60/ runner
There will be no race day registration.
Marathon Details
Marathon Map
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Mountain Bike Tours

Come explore the Caldera on your mountain bike! These events will provide opportunities for all ages and ability levels. At the check in station, you will be given a map and the freedom to choose your own route from what is available. We will be staging out of two parking lots. One for the "cruisers" and one for the "climbers". Cruisers are those folks wanting a relatively easy ride for the whole family. Climbers are those folks looking for some elevation change and longer distances. All of the roads for this event will be open to both cruisers and climbers. The intent is to put each group closer to the type of trails they are looking for.

$20/ Adult Rider,
$10/ Youth Rider (6 - 16),
Free/ Kids (under 6)

Mountain Bike Tour Details
Event Maps
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Group Tours

Various groups request special tours and these will be conducted on a first come, first serve basis when VCT staff and resources are available. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are our least busy days on the preserve so keep that in mind when requesting your event. The tours offered may include van tours, catered lunch or dinner at the Lodge, wagon rides, or demonstrations and speakers. Charges are based on costs incurred. Please contact us via email with your request including dates, numbers of participants, and expectations.
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