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Valles Caldera
National Preserve
New Mexico


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  Multimedia Presentations
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Unable to visit Valles Caldera in-person? Not to worry! We are creating a collection of videos to enhance your virtual park experience. On this page we will feature ranger talks, science spotlights, wildlife footage, and more. Check back often, as we are actively creating new video content to populate this page.

Geology

Caldera Chats: Geothermal Features
The density of geothermal features in Sulphur Canyon reveals the volcanic origins of Valles Caldera. Hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles adorn this fascinating area along the park’s western boundary.
Learn more about the geothermal activity at Valles Caldera National Preserve in this Caldera Chat with Ranger Topher!
Duration:2 minutes, 27 seconds

Caldera Chats: An Explosive Intersection
In this short video, Ranger Topher explains why Valles Caldera's location makes it so volcanically active.
Duration:1 minute, 28 seconds

Fumaroles at Sulphur Springs
Several plumes of steam emerge from the ground in the Sulphur Springs region of Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Duration:10.944 seconds

Wildlife

Caldera Chats: American Badger
The American badger (Taxidea taxus) is a member of the weasel family that primarily resides in grasslands, montane meadows, fields, and pastures with ample rodent prey. With its wide-open valleys and abundance of rodent species, Valles Caldera proves to be ideal habitat for the American badger.
Learn more about this solitary, nocturnal creature in this Caldera Chat with Ranger Melanie!
Duration:2 minutes, 4 seconds

Caldera Chats: Pika
Have you ever heard a pika's call ("EEP! EEP!") while exploring Valles Caldera's lava domes? Learn about this tiny but mighty mountain critter in this Caldera Chat with Ranger Sierra!
Duration:2 minutes, 13 seconds

Caldera Chats: Black Bears
In this video, Ranger Hayley introduces the various behaviors and appearances of the American black bear, state mammal of New Mexico.
Duration:1 minute, 28 seconds

Caldera Chats: Mountain Lions
Elusive and stealthy, mountain lions are skilled hunters that play a crucial role in the Valles Caldera ecosystem. Learn more in this Caldera Chat with Ranger Topher.
Duration:2 minutes, 31 seconds

Coyotes near Cerro La Jara
Three coyotes moving through the montane grasslands surrounding Cerro La Jara at Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Duration:33.534 seconds

Prairie Dog in Valle Grande
Two video clips of a prairie dog standing alert above and within its burrow in a windy grassland at Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Duration:25.759 seconds

Elk Herd in Valle Grande
A large herd of elk moves across Valle Grande on an August morning.
Duration:2 minutes, 9 seconds

Water

Caldera Chats: Wetlands
Wetlands are an invaluable resource for plants, animals, and humans. Learn more about wetlands and Valles Caldera's efforts to protect and restore them in this video with Ranger Hayley.
Duration:1 minute, 53 seconds

La Jara Creek
La Jara Creek tumbles down the slope of Redondo, eventually joining the East Fork Jemez River in Valle Grande at Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Duration:17.851 seconds

Scenery

Valle San Luis
A beautiful view of Redondo Peak from the swaying grasses of Valle San Luis.
Duration:12.479 seconds

Night Sky from the Cabin District
The night sky in motion in the Cabin District of Valles Caldera National Preserve
Duration:22 seconds

Wildflowers by La Jara Creek
A variety of summer wildflowers swaying beside La Jara Creek.
Duration:7.174 seconds

Montane Grasslands of Valle Grande
Three video clips showcasing the beautiful montane grasslands of Valle Grande in Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Duration:35.035 seconds

History Grove
A variety of scenes in and around History Grove, a stand of old-growth ponderosa pines overlooking Valle Grande.
Duration:47.18 seconds

Light Snowfall in the Cabin District
Light snow falling in a mixed conifer forest near the Cabin District at Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Duration:21.688 seconds

Science & Research

Science Spotlight: Jemez Mountains Salamander Surveys
Valles Caldera is home to one of the rarest and most endangered species in the world: the Jemez Mountains salamander. Whereas hundreds of these salamanders used to be found in the Jemez Mountains during each season, only 5 were found by scientific survey crews in 2023.
Learn more about this sensitive and secretive species in this science spotlight video.
Duration:3 minutes, 55 seconds

Recreation

Caldera Chats: History of Skiing
Skiing, brought to the United States by Nordic immigrants, has a long history in the Jemez Mountains and the National Park Service. Today, skiing is one of the most popular ways to enjoy wintertime at Valles Caldera National Preserve. Learn more about the history of skiing in this Caldera Chat with Ranger Adam!
Duration:1 minute, 19 seconds

Caldera Chats: Ski Preparation
Before visiting Valles Caldera for winter activities like cross-country skiing, there are a few important things to know like proper gear and equipment, weather forecast, road conditions, and groomed routes. Learn more about winter preparation in this Caldera Chat with Ranger Adam!
Duration:2 minutes, 14 seconds

Caldera Chats: Winter Soundscapes
A lot can be learned about the health of an ecosystem based on the sounds that are present and those that are absent. Winter is a quiet time at Valles Caldera National Preserve, which gives visitors the unique opportunity to explore natural soundscapes while participating in human-powered activities like skiing and snowshoeing.
Learn more about winter soundscapes in this Caldera Chat with Ranger Adam!
Duration:1 minute, 11 seconds
 Last updated: March 20, 2024
 Park footer Contact Info Mailing Address: 090 Villa Louis Martin Dr.
Jemez Springs,
NM
87025
 Phone: 505-670-1612
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