VallesCaldera.com – The independent news source about the Valles Caldera

On February 10, 2000 — exactly one decade ago — VallesCaldera.com was launched, predating the creation of the Valles Caldera National Preserve (above is a screen shot of this website’s original masthead).

This site went live in the tense months before the Baca Ranch was purchased by the American people, when many New Mexicans watched with bated breath out of concern that this spectacular, 95,000-acre parcel of vast mountain valleys, forested volcanic domes, and sparkling streams might be sold to developers.

In the months that followed the launch of this site, the Baca Ranch was transformed into publicly-owned land after being purchased by taxpayers for $101 million, becoming the Valles Caldera National Preserve with the signing of the Valles Caldera Preservation Act by President Bill Clinton on July 25, 2000.

VallesCaldera.com is operated by a Jemez Mountains local who lives within the geologic Valles Caldera (one mile from the National Preserve fence).

We extend our appreciation to those who have utilized the resources on VallesCaldera.com for the past decade, and have made this the #1-ranked independent website about the Valles Caldera (according to Google).

Welcome to the completely new VallesCaldera.com, which has served as the unofficial home of the Valles Caldera since February of 2000 – in the last months of the Baca Ranch era.

We hope you will take some time to explore and enjoy the new features of VallesCaldera.com:

360° PANORAMAS – Spectacular high-resolution 360° virtual-reality panoramic photos from throughout the Valles Caldera – many from locations to which the public has rarely, if ever, been granted access during the past 149 years

VIEWS FROM THE SKY – Dazzling photos of the Caldera from low-flying, single-engine aircraft

PHOTOS FROM SPACE – Hundreds of satellite photos of the Caldera, in every season, from every angle

IN THE MOVIES – Thorough compilation of all movies filmed on the Valles Caldera, plus movie posters, details about the movies and where on the Caldera they were filmed, plus links to purchase the movies online

BOOKS – Comprehensive database of books and other publications about the Valles Caldera and Jemez Mountains, with cover images and links for online purchase

MAPS – Vast collection of downloadable maps of the Valles Caldera

FAQ – A detailed, wide-ranging, and useful information-packed Frequently Asked Question section about the Caldera — its history, geology, archeology, and the National Preserve

VISITOR’S GUIDE – Extensive visitor guide for visitors to the Jemez Mountains, including the low-down on recreation activities on the Preserve and in the Santa Fe National Forest, camping options, local lodging and dining choices, and other local attractions

GEOLOGY – Continually-updated collection of information regarding the geology of the Valles Caldera

ARCHEOLOGY – Collection of articles on the archeology and cultural history of the Caldera

IN THE NEWS – Database of continuing media coverage of the Caldera

CONTACTS – Contact information for local newspapers, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation, the Valles Caldera Trustees, Preserve management, and other stakeholders

SUBSCRIPTIONS – RSS (Real Simple Syndication) subscription available to keep on top of the latest updates on Vallescaldera.com

CONDITIONS (on sidebar) – Links to weather reports, forecasts, and fire conditions on the Caldera

ORGANIZATIONS (on sidebar) – Links to the various stakeholders of the Valles Caldera and land management agencies in the Jemez Mountains

We welcome your questions and comments about newly redesigned and rebuilt VallesCaldera.com.  Please email us with feedback.