Hike the Indios Creek Trail

Indios Creek Trail skirts the edge of a beautiful montane grassland.

NPS

The Indios Creek Trail is a 7.8-mile (12.6 km) hike that climbs gently up to the northern boundary of the park. This trail follows a creek, passes an old cabin from the ranching era, and ends just beyond a beautiful, hidden valley.

Elevation: 8,568 - 9,494 feet

Details

Duration

2-4 Hours

Activity

Backcountry Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

As of January 1, 2025, a park entrance fee is required to enter Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Location

Indios Creek Trailhead

The Indios Creek Trailhead is a locked cable gate on the north side of the road, about 2.6 miles east of the T-junction. Park in the small dirt pull-out adjacent to the trailhead along the road. Backcountry vehicle pass required.

Reservations

Yes

Vehicular access to Valles Caldera's backcountry route is limited to 40 public vehicles per day. Passes can be reserved on Recreation.gov up to 3 months in advance.

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

The backcountry is closed to vehicular traffic from November 15 - May 14.

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

This unpaved, natural surface trail is narrow and has a relatively steep grade. Service animals permitted.