Last updated: April 23, 2025
Thing to Do
Take a Self-Guided Auto Tour of Valles Caldera
NPS/Corey Lycopolus
This self-guided driving tour leads visitors through Valles Caldera National Preserve's front-country and backcountry road system. As you go, your smartphone will recommend various stops at photo locations, geologic features, and historic structures, all while sharing interesting information about each stop.
All park visitors are welcome to explore the park's front-country roads from NM-4 to the Cabin District. Beyond the Cabin District, vehicular access requires a backcountry pass reservation via www.recreation.gov. Passes are limited, so if you wish to complete the backcountry portion of the auto tour, please reserve your backcountry pass in advance.
Download the NPS smartphone app for free at The NPS App - Digital (U.S. National Park Service). Tour takes 3-4 hours to complete.
All park visitors are welcome to explore the park's front-country roads from NM-4 to the Cabin District. Beyond the Cabin District, vehicular access requires a backcountry pass reservation via www.recreation.gov. Passes are limited, so if you wish to complete the backcountry portion of the auto tour, please reserve your backcountry pass in advance.
Download the NPS smartphone app for free at The NPS App - Digital (U.S. National Park Service). Tour takes 3-4 hours to complete.
Details
Duration
3-4 Hours
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
This self-guided driving tour leads visitors through Valles Caldera National Preserve's front-country and backcountry road system. As you go, your smartphone will recommend various stops at photo locations, geologic features, and historic structures, all while sharing interesting information about each stop.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are permitted in the park's front-country, but they are not permitted in the backcountry (even inside a vehicle).
Activity Fee
Yes
Park entrance fees apply.
Location
Main Entrance
This self-guided auto tour begins at Valles Caldera National Preserve's main entrance, located near mile marker 39 on NM State Route 4.
Reservations
Yes
Many of the stops on this tour are accessible without a reservation or pass. However, vehicular access to tour stops in the park's backcountry require a daily backcountry vehicle pass. Visit Recreation.gov to reserve your backcountry pass up to three months in advance.
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Front-country stops are accessible year-round, but backcountry tour stops are only accessible by vehicle from May 15 - November 15 and with a daily backcountry vehicle pass.
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
This tour is accessible to those with a private vehicle and a daily backcountry vehicle pass. The tour does not require exiting the vehicle or walking.