Want to learn more about Valles Caldera's geology, history, wildlife, and more? We invite you to participate in a ranger program or special event during your visit! Valles Caldera National Preserve offers engaging programs all year-round. Check out upcoming offerings by visiting our Calendar of Events!
Upcoming Events & Programs
The Valles Caldera Eruption Experience
Dates: Daily, year-round
Times: Hourly, on the half-hour
Location: Volcano Discovery Center
Come and experience an immersive simulation of the Valles Caldera eruption! Every hour on the half-hour, the Volcano Discovery Center "erupts" with a multisensory exhibit experience that showcases the past 1.2 million years of geologic history at Valles Caldera. Feel the rumble and quaking of the earth. Hear the explosive volcanic forces that created the 14-mile-wide caldera. Watch the lakes and lava domes appear. At the end of the show, bask in a newfound understanding of this unique landscape, and continue to learn and discover more by interacting with the immersive Valles Caldera exhibit.
WARNING: This show includes loud explosion sound effects and flashing lights. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, we recommend visiting the Volcano Discovery Center after the show has concluded (at :35 past the hour). Ask a park ranger about how to experience a sensory-friendly version of the eruption show!
Art in the Park Day
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Cabin District
Valles Caldera is a unique New Mexican landscape and cultural crossroads that has inspired art and creativity for generations. Every year on the last Saturday in April, Valles Caldera National Preserve celebrates Art in the Park Day with guided art workshops, cultural demonstrations, exhibitions, and fun activities for the whole family.
This year, Art in the Park Day takes place on Saturday, April 25, in the Cabin District, located 4 miles down the park entrance road from NM-4. Please join us!
9:00 am - Volcano Discovery Center and Caldera Reverie Art Gallery Open
10:00 am - Build Your Own Wildlife Sculpture with Mark Dyke (registration required)
11:00 am - Color Walk with Ranger Jordan
11:00 am - Music in the Valle (First Set)
12:00 pm - Parkitecture Presentation with Ranger Alex
12:30 pm - Music in the Valle (Second Set)
1:00 pm - Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery Demo with Madeline Naranjo
1:00 pm - Tooled Leather Printmaking Demo with Jim Weaver
2:00 pm - Watercolor Cloud Painting Lesson with Patsy Welch (registration required)
3:00 pm - Instant Film Photography with Ranger Corey (registration required)
4:40 pm - Volcano Discovery Center and Caldera Reverie Art Gallery Close
For more information or to register for a specific activity, please visit our Art in the Park Day webpage: www.nps.gov/vall/planyourvisit/art-in-the-park-day.htm.
Hike Through History
Dates: March 6, April 3 & 17, May 1
Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Begins at the Volcano Discovery Center
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time?
Join Ranger Alex for a journey through 12,000 years of human history and ingenuity at Valles Caldera. This will be a 2-mile hike on relatively flat terrain.
What to bring:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Layers, gloves, and head coverings
- Water
- Snowshoes or ice cleats (if conditions require)
No registration required. Meet at the Volcano Discovery Center a few minutes before program time. We'll see you on the trail!
Wildlife Photography
Dates: Every 1st Sunday of the month
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Meet at the Volcano Discovery Center
Join us for a hike at Valles Caldera National Preserve to learn the basics of wildlife photography and compositional recommendations. You will need to provide your own camera for this program (Mirrorless, DSLR, SLR, or mobile). Hiking distance varies from 1-5 miles.
Registration links open at 8:00 am, exactly two weeks in advance.
Astrophotography Workshop
With Valles Caldera National Preserve (an International Dark Sky Park) as an outdoor classroom, photographers Stan Ford and Richard Gonzales will guide program participants through the basics of astrophotography. Learn how to adjust and optimize DSLR camera settings, select a shooting location, and, of course, shoot spectacular images of the night sky. Participants should bring:
- A camera that has Manual mode. You can use multiple lenses, but we recommend your widest-angle lens.
- A sturdy tripod.
- A headlamp or flashlight with red right.
- Drinking water and snacks.
- Sturdy footwear and warm clothing.
We ask that program participants arrive with a basic understanding of how to operate their camera in the dark. If you're not experienced with shooting at night, your camera's instruction manual may come in handy. If you do not have a camera with Manual mode or cannot borrow one, we can work with the camera you have. You may not get the greatest images, but our main goal is for you to learn how to shoot at night and have fun!
Registration links open at 8:00 am, exactly two weeks in advance.
Stargazing in the Caldera
Join park rangers for an evening of stargazing in the Cabin District. Telescopes and star binoculars will be provided for program participants.
Registration links open at 8:00 am, exactly two weeks in advance.
Instant Film Photography
Dates: Every 3rd Sunday of the month
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Meet at the Volcano Discovery Center
Learn the basics of photography and compositional recommendations using an instant film camera, all while exploring Valles Caldera. A camera and film will be provided, but exposures will be limited to 2 per person. If you want to take more than two photos, you can purchase your own film to use (Polaroid i-Type, color or black & white) and can bring your own instant film camera as well. The program is approximately 1 hour in duration.
Registration links open at 8:00 am, exactly two weeks in advance.
