Valles Caldera National Preserve will mark its 25th anniversary with a special three-day celebration from July 25-27, featuring new attractions, cultural performances and extended evening hours for stargazing.
The anniversary festivities will kick off on Friday, July 25, the preserve’s actual 25th birthday, with two ribbon-cutting ceremonies highlighting major new additions to the park. At 10 a.m., officials will open a new interpretive trail through the cabin district, followed by the 2 p.m. unveiling of a multimedia exhibit at the Volcano Discovery Center.
“We’ve been hard at work all these years getting Valles Caldera to a level everyone expects from a national park site,” said Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos. “We are excited for everyone to explore the new ways of experiencing the park, to learn about this special place, and to see what we have planned for the next phase of improvements.”
Throughout the three-day celebration, visitors can participate in ranger-led programs, listen to guest speakers, enjoy cultural performances and take part in hands-on activities. Evening programming will include stargazing sessions, astrophotography workshops and a silent disco under the stars.
Due to safety considerations, the preserve is requiring reservations per vehicle for all evening programs.
The celebration represents a significant milestone for the preserve, which has undergone continuous improvements since its establishment. The new interpretive trail and multimedia exhibit are part of ongoing efforts to enhance visitor experiences and educational opportunities at the volcanic landscape site.
Visitors planning to attend the anniversary celebration can find more information and make reservations at https://www.nps.gov/vall/planyourvisit/valles-caldera-s-25th-anniversary.htm.
The Valles Caldera National Preserve encompasses a large volcanic caldera and surrounding area in the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico, offering visitors opportunities to explore unique geological features, wildlife habitat and cultural history.