About this episode
Send us Fan MailNote: Audio Only, Please see YouTube for the Video VersionWe explore Valle Caldera National Preserve in New Mexico, a 1.25-million-year-old dormant volcano with a massive magma chamber beneath its surface. The preserve features historic buildings, dramatic weather changes, and breathtaking views of mountain landscapes surrounding the massive caldera depression.• Historic cabin district includes structures dating back decades, each telling stories of the area's ranching history• Weather changes dramatically throughout the day, shifting from clear skies to snowstorms within minutes• The preserve sits atop a massive magma chamber, creating the distinctive ring of mountains around open meadows• San Antonio Cabin area offers stunning views and what might be "the loveliest outhouse views in New Mexico"• Hiking opportunities include the 1.5-mile Cerro La Jara loop and a visit to the "Missing Cabin" movie set• The park is still developing its infrastructure as a relatively new addition to the National Park System• Visitors should note that the entrance gate locks at 5:00 PM sharp with physical chainsMake sure to arrive earlier than I did to have enough time to explore. The gate does lock at 5:00 PM, and if you're locked in, you'll get a citation. For backcountry road access, it's $2 per person in advance on Recreation.gov.Support the show
