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Skarz CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Jemez Mountains

Mountains

Volcanic mountain range in northern New Mexico that includes the Valles Caldera and hot springs at Jemez Springs. Visitors come for hiking, mountain biking and thermal baths.

Jemez Mountains Albuquerque, New MexicoSanta Fe, New MexicoLas Cruces, New MexicoRoswell, New MexicoAlamogordo, New MexicoTaos, New MexicoGallupSilver CityJemez Mountains
In this guide

Jemez Mountains essentials

Address: Jemez Mountains, New Mexico, USA
Website: fs.usda.gov
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About Jemez Mountains

The Jemez Mountains are a volcanic mountain range in north-central New Mexico, formed by Neogene and Quaternary volcanism and dominated by a large central caldera. The range is part of the broader Jemez volcanic field and includes volcanic domes, mesas and high forested peaks. Visitors come for the Valles Caldera, hot springs, road-accessible meadows and a network of trails. The range sits west of Santa Fe and Los Alamos and north of Albuquerque, with the town of Jemez Springs and several forest routes providing common access points.

  • Volcanic core: Known for its volcanic geology and the Valles Caldera - a large collapsed volcanic feature that dominates the central part of the range.
  • Recreation: Popular for year-round outdoor recreation - hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and in winter limited snow activities at higher elevations.

What to See#

  • Valles Caldera National Preserve: A large volcanic caldera and surrounding high country managed for public access and recreation, offering road access onto the caldera floor and a network of trails for hiking and wildlife viewing.
  • Jemez Springs and hot springs: The town of Jemez Springs and nearby hot springs and small resort facilities serve as gateways for visitors and trailheads into the range.
  • High summits: Redondo Peak and other summit areas offering alpine scenery and viewpoints; several summits in the range exceed 11,000 feet in elevation.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Jemez Mountains

Late spring through autumn is prime for hiking and scenic drives; winter brings snow and winter recreation in some areas.

Summer
June-August · 10-30°C
Warm days, cool nights; high-country hikes and forested meadows are at their best.
Fall
September-October · 5-20°C
Aspen and oak stands change color and the preserve grows quieter; an excellent time for photography.

Weather & Climate near Jemez Mountains

Climate

Jemez Mountains's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (721 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 18 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -13° - 2° -12° 50 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
February - -11° - 3° -10° 58 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
March - -9° - 6° -7° 64 mm - - 5.1 m/s - -
April - -6° - 10° -3° 39 mm - - 5.5 m/s - -
May - -2° - 15° 3° 36 mm - - 5.1 m/s - -
June - 3° - 21° 12° 44 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
July - 6° - 23° 14° 101 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
August - 6° - 21° 14° 110 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
September - 3° - 19° 11° 65 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
October - -2° - 14° 3° 54 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
November - -7° - 7° -5° 45 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
December - -11° - 3° -10° 55 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Jemez Mountains

The Jemez Mountains are reached by car from Santa Fe (roughly 40-60 minutes depending on destination). Major access points include Jemez Springs and the Valles Caldera National Preserve; check National Forest and Preserve websites for seasonal road and trail information.

Tips for Visiting Jemez Mountains

  • Drive or hike into the Valles Caldera portion of the range early in the day for wildlife sightings (elk, deer) and long views; the preserve has seasonal road rules.
  • Stop in Jemez Springs for hot springs, the small village's historic bathhouses and local restaurants.