This isn't exactly a hike but you will be walking through grass and very uneven trails. But it's worth the breathtaking views and the chilly fresh wind. If you walk along the Jarra Trail you'll circle around about 1 mile and return to where you started. If you go by car, you'll go along an extremely long and bumpy trail (watch out for bikes and cars going the opposite direction!). I didn't do the full trail but I loved what I did see amazing views.

It's free and has plenty of trail options. If You're in the area and looking for a hike this is a great place to do it. I would recommend Hidden Valley Trail. It has an old ranch to walk around and a lush, tight valley to walk down.

The unique beauty of this place is well worth a visit. Arriving here after driving NM4 on the Jemez Mountains Scenic drive (through all the fire ravaged forests) was a breath of fresh greenery to behold. Sadly, we saw no elk. Perhaps wrong time of day? Wrong time of year? Staff we spoke to outside of visitors center were very knowledgeable and friendly.

Highly recommend visiting during the day where the hiking views are scenic. That said, visit around sunset (or even sunrise) and you’ll be greeted with stunning scenes. Especially in the autumn.

Off rt 4, up road 105. Private property so be respectful. Locked FS gate, turn around and park so others can turn around. FS is was still evaluating site for reclamation and future use when we visited. Stopped and shared discoveries, history with each other.

I visited Valles Caldera National Preserve today and it was absolutely beautiful! The Rangers were friendly and full of knowledge! it was an absolute pleasure visiting this park

Beautiful place! If your a Longmire fan it's a must see for his cabin. Beautiful countryside with hiking, biking and hunting opportunities.

Breathtaking views! Amazing creation. So many prairie dogs along the route. Initially we thought they were gophers. Unfortunately there are no signs in the park, we had to ask for a special permit to get inside, no places to pull over. I still give the 5 stars for the beauty of nature. Land of enchantment it is.

Absolutely beautiful. Lots of scenery along the way on highway 4 whether you're coming from the Santa Fe area or Albuquerque...we traveled to Valles Caldera from both directions on two different days.

There's a tranquil beauty here you don't find many places. It's isolated and the only noises you hear are nature and the occasional other visitor.

Great park! Due to the fire potential, not much we open but it was nice to drive through and take the La Jara trail. It was hot in early June so take water and hats!

Such a great place to visit. It's full of hiking trails with great views. Look up the trails and verify their availability before making your journey. Also, be sure to pack water and food because it's rural.

Lovely place to visit winter and spring and summer and fall.. all season around. I visited during April and still had some patches of snow. Trail might be little muddy buy views are fantastic. Wild animal are pretty easy to spot if you know where to look for. Careful driving during winter and spring.. snow and falling rocks. .

Valles Caldera is a beautiful place! You must go there to experience God's beautiful creations. There are so many wild animals. I took a long hike to the top of South Peak and saw a beautiful royal bull elk. I was able to take a picture of it. It's a once in a lifetime picture for me. It's so cool and a good memory that will stay with me forever.

Recommend buying tickets in advance for backcountry drive, visit. There is lot more to be explored in the backcountry which we couldn’t visit as the passes were run out. They give only 30 passes per day to minimize visitors. We however visited the pond and saw several prairie dogs near the visitor center

Bike the loop at dusk. Most beautiful ride I've ever ridden.

Awesome views! Majestic scenery, all green, full of flowers.