Editors note: The backcountry is open this summer too but you'll need a fishing and vehicle permit from the NPS to go angling. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit their website for more info.
The Valles Caldera National Preserve’s backcountry is open again to motorists this summer providing free access to prime fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities.
The Valles Caldera National Preserve’s backcountry is open again to motorists this summer providing free access to prime fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities.
“The public enjoys the convenience of driving into the
preserve,” says Kimberly DeVall, Chief of Interpretation and Education for the
National Park Service’s preserve in the Jemez Mountains .
“And we’re happy to be able to provide them that opportunity so they can enjoy
all the preserve has to offer.”
The backcountry normally opens up by mid-May but was delayed
until just recently this season due to road repairs, says DeVall.
The preserve issues up to 35 backcountry motor vehicle
permits daily to motorists visiting the 89,000 acre preserve. The permits are
issued on a first come, first served basis at no cost. The preserve is open
from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. No permits will be issued after 3:30 p.m. and all motorists must check out by 5:30 p.m. There is no camping available on the
preserve.
DeVall says they rarely run out of permits during the week
but on the weekends they tend to go quickly.
Visitors will find 26 miles of dirt and gravel roads to
travel within the vast backcountry featuring plenty of hiking and biking trails
and great fishing on San Antonio
and Jaramillo Creeks. No pets are allowed in the backcountry.
A recent visit to the preserve during the week revealed only
a handful of vehicles in the backcountry and most of them belonged to anglers.
Motorist must remain on established roads and park in only in designated areas.
Portable toilets are provided.
The two backcountry creeks flow through great, open meadows
and are noted for their deep undercut banks where trout can hide. A two fish
bag limit is in effect on the preserve, a valid state license is required and only
artificial flies and lures with single, barbless hooks are permitted. Waders
are not needed but a good hat, long sleeves and plenty of sunscreen and bug
repellant is recommended. Fishing supplies and groceries can be purchased in
the nearby town of La Cueva .
Some visitors to the preserve may enjoy just driving into
the backcountry for some sightseeing and a picnic. San Antonio Cabin is a
scenic spot with picnic tables for use and visitors are reminded to clean up after
themselves.
The preserve also is home to many
wildlife species including elk, bear, coyote, eagles and turkeys and the best
viewing opportunities are in the morning and evening.
The preserve can be found off
N.M.4 between Jemez Springs and Los Alamos . For
more information about the Valles Caldera National Preserve please their
website at https://www.nps.gov/vall/index.html
or call the preserve at 575-829-4100.