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We 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 chains

Make 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.

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