Volcano Discovery Center
Visitor Center ·
Managed by the National Park Service
Valles Caldera National Preserve (National Preserve) · Open Access
- 8,760 ft
- Elevation
An interactive exhibit allows you to experience the caldera-forming eruption. Interpretive signs and viewing scopes allow further exploration. Park store offers clothing, gifts, books, and snacks. Accessible parking and ramp are at the building's rear entrance.
Getting there
From Jemez Springs: Follow NM State Route 4 north for 22 miles. The entrance has a gate and signs on your left. Follow the dirt road 4 miles to the Volcano Discovery Center.
From Los Alamos: Follow NM State Route 4 west for 18 miles. The entrance has a gate and signs on your right. Follow the dirt road 4 miles to the Volcano Discovery Center.
35.86439, -106.51896 · 35°51'51.8"N 106°31'8.2"W
Typical weather
Typically 74°F in Jul, down to 36°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36 | 38 | 45 | 52 | 62 | 72 | 74 | 71 | 66 | 57 | 46 | 36 |
| Low °F | 9 | 12 | 20 | 25 | 32 | 39 | 45 | 43 | 36 | 26 | 17 | 9 |
| Precip in | 1.8 | 2.0 | 2.4 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 1.6 | 1.8 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Member photos
Common questions about Volcano Discovery Center
- Can you reserve a site at Volcano Discovery Center?
- No. Volcano Discovery Center is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near Volcano Discovery Center
- Jemez Falls (NM) Picnic Area 5.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Jemez Falls Campground 5.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Redondo Campground 6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Las Conchas Trailhead 3.4 mi · Facility
- Las Conchas Day Use Site 3.4 mi · Facility
- East Fork Trailhead #137 5 mi · Facility
- Jemez Falls Group Picnic Site 5.9 mi · Facility
- Jemez Falls Trailhead 6 mi · Facility
- San Diego Canyon Overlook Overlook Site 6.1 mi · Facility
- Dark Canyon Fishing Site 6.3 mi · Facility
- Spence Hot Spring Trailhead 6.4 mi · Facility
- La Cueva Picnic Site 6.7 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone (505) 670-1612
- Email vall_info@nps.gov
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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