Angler casting to wild trout in a small creek in a huge meadow in the stunning Valles Caldera National preserve in Northern New Mexico on summer day 2022.
Few Facts:
Location: Valles Caldera National Preserve is in north-central New Mexico, primarily within Sandoval County, about 35 miles northwest of Albuquerque and near Los Alamos.
Geology: The preserve sits in a large caldera formed by a massive volcanic eruption about 1.25 million years ago. The caldera is roughly 13 miles across and exposes volcanic deposits, resurgent domes, and hot-spring and hydrothermal features.
Landscape: The preserve features a broad, grassy valley floor surrounded by forested rim and volcanic domes, with elevations ranging roughly from 6,800 to over 11,000 feet. Meadows, willow-lined streams, and volcanic necks create varied habitats.
Ecosystems and wildlife: Habitats include montane conifer forest, mixed conifer–aspen stands, meadows, and riparian corridors. Common wildlife includes elk, mule deer, black bear, bobcat, coyotes, and many bird species such as raptors and migratory waterfowl.
Land management and access: The Valles Caldera was established as a national preserve in 2000 and is managed to balance conservation, public recreation, and scientific research. Access includes a visitor center, scenic drives, hiking trails, fishing and limited hunting (seasonal permits), and guided tours; some areas require permits or seasonal closures.
Cultural history: The area has a history of use by Indigenous peoples and later Spanish and Anglo settlers for grazing and ranching. Ranch structures and cultural sites remain within the preserve.
Recreation: Popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, fly-fishing on caldera streams, and backcountry camping in designated areas.
Scientific importance: The preserve is valued for volcanic research, ecological studies, and long-term monitoring of post-eruption landscapes, hydrology, and wildlife populations.
Conservation priorities: Resource management focuses on restoring native vegetation, controlling invasive species, sustainable grazing where allowed, protecting cultural sites, and maintaining habitat connectivity.
Visiting tips: Weather can change rapidly at high elevation; bring layers and sun protection. Cell service is limited in parts of the preserve. Check current access rules, guided tour schedules, and permit requirements before visiting.
Angler casting to wild trout in a small creek in a huge meadow in the stunning Valles Caldera National preserve in Northern New Mexico on summer day 2022.
Few Facts:
Location: Valles Caldera National Preserve is in north-central New Mexico, primarily within Sandoval County, about 35 miles northwest of Albuquerque and near Los Alamos.
Geology: The preserve sits in a large caldera formed by a massive volcanic eruption about 1.25 million years ago. The caldera is roughly 13 miles across and exposes volcanic deposits, resurgent domes, and hot-spring and hydrothermal features.
Landscape: The preserve features a broad, grassy valley floor surrounded by forested rim and volcanic domes, with elevations ranging roughly from 6,800 to over 11,000 feet. Meadows, willow-lined streams, and volcanic necks create varied habitats.
Ecosystems and wildlife: Habitats include montane conifer forest, mixed conifer–aspen stands, meadows, and riparian corridors. Common wildlife includes elk, mule deer, black bear, bobcat, coyotes, and many bird species such as raptors and migratory waterfowl.
Land management and access: The Valles Caldera was established as a national preserve in 2000 and is managed to balance conservation, public recreation, and scientific research. Access includes a visitor center, scenic drives, hiking trails, fishing and limited hunting (seasonal permits), and guided tours; some areas require permits or seasonal closures.
Cultural history: The area has a history of use by Indigenous peoples and later Spanish and Anglo settlers for grazing and ranching. Ranch structures and cultural sites remain within the preserve.
Recreation: Popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, fly-fishing on caldera streams, and backcountry camping in designated areas.
Scientific importance: The preserve is valued for volcanic research, ecological studies, and long-term monitoring of post-eruption landscapes, hydrology, and wildlife populations.
Conservation priorities: Resource management focuses on restoring native vegetation, controlling invasive species, sustainable grazing where allowed, protecting cultural sites, and maintaining habitat connectivity.
Visiting tips: Weather can change rapidly at high elevation; bring layers and sun protection. Cell service is limited in parts of the preserve. Check current access rules, guided tour schedules, and permit requirements before visiting.
Image Dimensions: 8500 x 5141 px
Location: Northern New Mexico
Note: This image is exclusive to this site. © 2022 Ray Redstone
