Valles Caldera National Preserve

Can't go wrong with such a big Caldera...

Absolutely beautiful! A vast open valley covered with snow is just the first vista that opens up to you. A towering rim of low mountains stretches out of sight in both directions. A central small range of hills marks where lava seeped out after the main eruption. The reserve teems with elk and other wildlife. It is great for hiking, cross country skiing, camping, and just tooling around on good gravel roads. Gorgeous and fun any time of year.

It's an amazing preserve in the caldera of a volcano. There are millers and miles of trails to explore. You'll pass through the research facilities of Los Alamos on the way there. The road winds up into the mountains and then back down into the caldera. Be sitter to look out for elk!

A remarkably large area to possess such a strong sense of space. Coming into the caldera on NM-4 is breathtaking. It's easy to see why they choose to shoot television and films here.

Absolutely breath taking views! If you time your visit during sunset you can see the massive elk herd in the distance from the Ranger Station. Not to mention if you're a Longmire fan you can walk up to Walt's cabin. Look closely...Hector Lives!!!