Place

East Fork Jemez River

A small stream meandering through a montane grassland at sunset.
The East Fork Jemez River meanders downstream through Valle Grande.

NPS/Irene Owsley

Quick Facts

Scenic View/Photo Spot

The East Fork Jemez River meanders through Valle Grande—the largest valley at Valles Caldera National Preserve. This waterway is a popular destination for anglers, hikers, and sightseers alike and is home to the native Rio Grande sucker, Rio Grande chub, fathead minnow and longnose dace and non-native German brown and rainbow trout.

Downstream from here is a beautiful canyon, accessible by the Jemez River Trail that starts two-thirds of a mile back toward the park's entrance gate. Upstream is accessible by foot and bicycle from the pullouts on NM State Route 4 or by foot from the Entrance Station.

The East Fork ultimately joins with San Antonio Creek at Battleship Rock in San Diego Canyon to form the Jemez River.

Valles Caldera National Preserve

Last updated: December 13, 2024