Entry No. 44 — the Albuquerque file — filed under: dark-sky-park

Valles Caldera National Preserve

An International Dark Sky Park inside an 89,000-acre ancient volcanic crater, Valles Caldera offers pristine zero-light-pollution Milky Way viewing, ranger-led full moon hikes, and summer night-sky festivals.

The move: Drive up Highway 4 before dusk, set up camp chairs along the Valle Grande pullouts with a thermos of warm cider, and watch the central galactic core rise over the massive volcanic bowl rim.

• 📍 Jemez Mountains
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 39201 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: nps.gov · darksky.org

last checked: 2026-07-21