Brokeoff Mountains Rim Road — Jemez to Valles Caldera via Redondo Peak Divide
Volcanic caldera rim on loose Jemez gravel.
The Valles Caldera sits at the heart of the Jemez Mountains like a secret kept by elevation — a 13-mile-wide volcanic depression ringed by grass-covered resurgent domes. This route departs from Jemez Springs on NM-4, climbs Forest Road 376 past sulfur-laced hot spring tributaries of the Jemez River, and traces the eastern caldera rim via Redondo Peak before dropping into the Valle Grande viewpoints. The switchbacks above 9,000 feet are loose and eroded, with exposed ledges where the road hugs the volcanic tuff escarpment. San Antonio Creek crossing mid-route can run knee-deep during spring runoff.
This is a moderate-to-difficult route requiring at minimum a stock high-clearance 4WD with a locking differential for the loose volcanic gravel above treeline. Skid plates are advisable. Best window is late June through October — snow closes upper sections well into May. The Valles Caldera National Preserve now requires a free day-use permit for entry onto preserve lands; snag one at recreation.gov before you roll out. Jemez Springs has fuel and groceries. No cell service above the canyon. Dispersed camping available on Santa Fe National Forest lands outside preserve boundaries.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 10480 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Jemez Springs, NM |
| Land manager | Santa Fe National Forest / Valles Caldera National Preserve |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | USFS Santa Fe NF recreation area Valles Caldera NPS permit info |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without modifications?
Yes — a stock 4WD vehicle with decent clearance (8+ inches) can run this trail. Loose gravel and rutted sections on the Redondo Peak divide are manageable at stock height, but low-clearance cars and 2WD vehicles will get beached.
When does the trail open in spring and is snow a real concern?
The route typically clears by late May to mid-June depending on snowpack — at 10,400 feet, late-season snow lingers and turns the Jemez gravel into slick mud. Stick to June through October for reliable conditions; early June calls for a phone check with Santa Fe NF before committing.
Do you need a permit for this route, and does it cost anything?
The Santa Fe National Forest sections are permit-free, but if your route crosses into Valles Caldera National Preserve you'll need an entry permit through the NPS — check the Valles Caldera permit page before you go because access rules and fees change seasonally.
What's the hardest section and what makes it sketchy?
The rim stretch near Redondo Peak divide is the crux — loose volcanic gravel on off-camber sidehill with no guardrails and meaningful exposure on one side. It's not technically extreme, but if you push speed or catch a wet day, the surface gives out fast. Slow and deliberate wins here.
Is there any water available on trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There are water crossings on route but no treated water sources — filter everything. Gas up in Jemez Springs before you leave; it's the last reliable stop, and at 38 miles of slow terrain plus highway driving back, running low is a real risk if you're starting with less than a half tank.
Trail track
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