Hoodoos and Calderas

Total Miles 29.3
Technical Rating
6 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
Open Trail Map

Trail Overview

The Jemez Mountains hold a very unique feature know as the Valle Caldera. This area lays on a volcanic field that has created the ever-changing landscape. Natural hot springs are abundant and available for soak sessions. With the pyroclastic flow and erosion, there are groups of tent rocks in the region. One area of these features can be viewed from above on this route. The average elevation along this run is 9100' with a low of 8266' and a high of 10,234'. There is a short 2 mile section of rock garden road that can restrict some vehicles that choose the wrong line. To capture the view of the Caldera from an impressive campsite, a series of 36" and greater wash outs will need to be overcome. Experience is recommended here to not incur body damage on the vehicle. Further south of the Hoodoos on FS 376, are a set of vehicular tunnels, Gilman Cut, even more history to be ingested around the tunnels.

Photos of Hoodoos and Calderas

Difficulty

The technical section is only 0.5 miles while the rest of the road is hard pack rock base.

Technical Rating

6

Status Reports

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Alfred G.
Dec 07, 2025
Open
Passing by to get my Christmas tree and 376 is still open. Its really nice, usually its closed this time around.
Dan A
Nov 09, 2025
Open
Still open as of 9 Nov. Info: From 126 (by Fenton) through Espanola is approximately 60 miles. I was able to get through in about 3 hours. Not difficult this time, dry and looks like it was somewhat maintained. Did the whole thing in 2wd, tires around 15 PSI for comfort.
Omar Loera
Nov 03, 2025
Open
Few people were camping as well as we did, this was our first stop on are way to Ophir.
Duane Schafer
Sep 01, 2025
Open
Heavy use on Labor Day kicking up lots of dust. Rain threatened but never materialized on the trail (road?).
Amanda Darby
Jul 27, 2025
Open
31-Mile road is open and easy. The difficult "unmaintained" section has been improved and all the previously mentioned boulder areas are now on the side of road. There are some sandy areas and a few spots (if muddy) that could be challenging without proper tires. My R1T made it without a blink and I'd take a newer model Subaru with good tires on a heartbeat. I respectfully submit that OnX should reclassify this route to a 3/10.
Scott M.
Jul 25, 2025
Open
It seems the road has been bulldozed and there is no longer a 6 technical section. We did this trail and 31 mile road from Jemez springs to Espanola. Could be done with a stock JL or JT sport.
Jim C
Jul 18, 2025
Open
Drove 31 mile road from pavement to pavement and never found the difficult section
mark Tenny
Jul 05, 2025
Open
Good conditions. Plenty of space for camping. The north side of the trail has the most technical part with a great view and camping area as the payoff. My stock Gladiator handled it fine.
Gabriel Saavedra
Apr 18, 2025
Open
Normal visit some snow drifts in the shade, but passible. dusty trail
Dan A
Apr 12, 2025
Open
The trail is open, but approximately 16 miles in, deep snow obstructs the path. Side-by-sides and dirt bikes have been unable to pass through. The snowpack is soft and melting, yet remains about 24 inches deep based on my observations. Going to need some folks running 40’s to plow a path through.
Ryan Killian
Mar 18, 2025
Open
Jordan Larson
May 19, 2024
Open
closed for prescribed fires and forest thinning
Bryce Stenholm
May 10, 2024
Open
Breck Waggoner
May 07, 2024
Open
Bill Sherrod
Nov 03, 2023
Open

Hoodoos and Calderas Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Hoodoos and Calderas Map

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