Valles Caldera National Preserve, National preserve and Dark Sky Park in Jemez Mountains, New Mexico.
Valles Caldera National Preserve is an 89,000-acre (36,000 ha) protected area in the Jemez Mountains featuring meadows, forests, and hot springs within a volcanic formation. The terrain spans from 8,600 to 11,000 feet (2,600 to 3,350 m) elevation and displays the diverse landscapes created by ancient volcanism.
The caldera formed about one million years ago through a major volcanic eruption that shaped the entire landscape. The land transitioned from private ownership to a national preserve in 2000, establishing it as a protected area for conservation.
Several Native American tribes consider this land sacred, and their connection to it shapes how people understand the area's meaning. The relationship between the tribes and this place remains visible in the way the land is treated and discussed.
Visitors should expect variable weather and cooler temperatures at higher elevations, so bringing layered clothing is essential. Evening stargazing programs benefit from bringing a camp chair and red-mode lighting to preserve night vision while exploring the dark skies.
The preserve holds designation as an International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the few places where evening programs let visitors observe stars with remarkable clarity. This special status means the sky here is less affected by artificial light than in most other regions.
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