National Preserves - New Mexico

Valles Caldera National Preserve

4/30/2017 … before starting our steep switchback climb over the mountains, getting on the Jemez Mountain Trail NSB which we stayed on to our destination. Coming down the other side there suddenly appeared the huge plain surrounded by mountains that comprises the Valles Caldera National Preserve destination. We stopped a number of times along the road to enjoy the views of the Valle Grande and other features, on a crisp and breezy morning. The views were particularly enhanced by the blue sky and light snow cover. I had been here before but returned since the Forest Service Preserve was made a unit of the NPS. There was a new VC on the caldera floor, right next to the large mound feature of the Cherro la Jara. We drove down a dirt road to get there, but there wasn't much to do other than chat with the ranger. We also figured there was not much to be gained by hiking on any of the trails, so we exited the Preserve catching more photos on the way out.

The NSB sign ...

... and close-up

Two views ...

... along the NSB

The Valle state sign

A long view panorama of the caldera

A tighter shot

Lots of info ...

... about the NSB

The park sign

A great photo spot

One beautiful view ...

... after ...

... another

Cherro la Jara