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Live · updated todayTypical peak look

Valles Calderafall foliage

No reports yet this season for Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Local timing
Sep 1–Nov 30
The National Park Service says the preserve is lovely from September through November as the aspens change. General timing for this place: not a peak date, and not a forecast.

Next 7 days

Flood WatchFlood Watch issued September 27 at 10:29PM MDT until September 30 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
  • Frost likely · low 30°FTuesday Night, Wednesday Night, Thursday Night, Friday Night, Saturday Night, Sunday Night
  • Rain likely · up to 100% chanceTonight, Tuesday, Tuesday Night, Wednesday

National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 8:02 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.

Frost near Valles Caldera National Preserve

Last spring frost usually in ~9 months

Sep 13Average first fall frost

Jun 10Average last spring frost

The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Los Alamos 13 W station (2.1 mi away, 8,716 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Valles Caldera National Preserve through the year

  • Mud seasonApr–May
  • Backcountry roads openNowMay–Nov
  • Elk rutNowSep–Oct
  • SnowNov–Apr

Best spots around Valles Caldera National Preserve

  • Valle GrandeElk viewing during the fall rut
  • Rabbit Mountain and South MountainMore fall elk-viewing areas
  • Volcano Discovery Center4 miles down the main entrance road, in the Cabin District

How we know

National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Hiking in Valles Caldera (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Valles Caldera hours (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Rocky Mountain elk (Valles Caldera) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Volcano Discovery Center (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)

All our sources and how we use them →

Questions people ask

When is peak fall foliage in Valles Caldera National Preserve in 2026?

The National Park Service says the preserve is lovely from September through November as the aspens change: Sep 1–Nov 30. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.

How is the fall color in Valles Caldera National Preserve right now?

There's no official report yet this season.

Can I drive into the backcountry?

From May 15 to November 15, with a backcountry vehicle pass from Recreation.gov. The preserve gives out 40 a day.Sources: National Park Service, Valles Caldera hours ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Hiking in Valles Caldera ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Is there hunting in the fall?

Yes: hunting happens in the preserve every spring and fall.Source: National Park Service, Hiking in Valles Caldera ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Where are the best spots in Valles Caldera National Preserve?

Valle Grande: elk viewing during the fall rut; Rabbit Mountain and South Mountain: more fall elk-viewing areas; Volcano Discovery Center: 4 miles down the main entrance road, in the Cabin District.

What is Valles Caldera National Preserve like through the year?

Mud season (Apr–May), Backcountry roads open (May–Nov), Elk rut (Sep–Oct) and Snow (Nov–Apr).