Valles Caldera
The Valles Caldera is one of the most interesting destinations along the Jemez Mountain Trail.
Humans have inhabited and hunted the Valles Caldera since prehistoric times. Archaeologists have found spear points over 11,000 years old. Several indigenous tribes frequented the caldera, often migrating seasonally to hunt. They mined obsidian for spear and arrow points and used it for trade. Geologists have found obsidian from the Valles Caldera across the Southwest.
Many sites in the caldera are culturally significant to the neighboring pueblos, and all of the land is considered sacred.
European interests in the area began in the sixteenth century with the Spanish conquistadores, who claimed the land in the name of Philip II of Spain. The Nuevo México Province was created by Philip II of Spain and was officially settled during an expedition led by Juan de Oñate in 1598.
"Ownership rights" in the caldera were granted by the King of Spain as part of a Spanish land grant. When New Mexico became a territory of the United States in 1848, commercial ranching and logging interests moved into the caldera, which provoked conflict with the existing inhabitants. The caldera was a backdrop for the Indian wars with the U.S Army from 1850-1880.
In 1876 the caldera became part of the Baca Ranch, as as compensation for the termination of a prior land grant given to their family near Las Vegas during the colonial period.
During its operation as the Baca Ranch, it was over grazed and over logged. It was sold to the federal government in 2000 for $101 million.
When it became a National Preserve in December, 2013, the 89,000 acres of the Valles Caldera Preserve became accessible to the public. Some sacred sites were returned to the pueblos;
The 13.7-mile wide caldera is one of three “supervolcanoes” in the United States; the others are in Yellowstone Caldera in Wyoming, and Long Valley Caldera in California. The last time the Valles Caldera erupted it emitted 150 cubic miles of lava, propelling ash as far as Iowa. That was 1.2 million years ago.
The mountain on the left is the highest point in the caldera, Redondo Peak, with an elevation of 11,253 ft (3,430 m). It is a resurgent lava dome located entirely within the caldera. Redondito to the right, on the edge of the Valles Calderos in Northern New Mexico. You can see the park headquarters in the lower right.
Happy Mountain Monday!
Take care and stay safe. Thanks for stopping by and for all of your support -- I deeply appreciate it.
© Melissa Post 2020
Valles Caldera
The Valles Caldera is one of the most interesting destinations along the Jemez Mountain Trail.
Humans have inhabited and hunted the Valles Caldera since prehistoric times. Archaeologists have found spear points over 11,000 years old. Several indigenous tribes frequented the caldera, often migrating seasonally to hunt. They mined obsidian for spear and arrow points and used it for trade. Geologists have found obsidian from the Valles Caldera across the Southwest.
Many sites in the caldera are culturally significant to the neighboring pueblos, and all of the land is considered sacred.
European interests in the area began in the sixteenth century with the Spanish conquistadores, who claimed the land in the name of Philip II of Spain. The Nuevo México Province was created by Philip II of Spain and was officially settled during an expedition led by Juan de Oñate in 1598.
"Ownership rights" in the caldera were granted by the King of Spain as part of a Spanish land grant. When New Mexico became a territory of the United States in 1848, commercial ranching and logging interests moved into the caldera, which provoked conflict with the existing inhabitants. The caldera was a backdrop for the Indian wars with the U.S Army from 1850-1880.
In 1876 the caldera became part of the Baca Ranch, as as compensation for the termination of a prior land grant given to their family near Las Vegas during the colonial period.
During its operation as the Baca Ranch, it was over grazed and over logged. It was sold to the federal government in 2000 for $101 million.
When it became a National Preserve in December, 2013, the 89,000 acres of the Valles Caldera Preserve became accessible to the public. Some sacred sites were returned to the pueblos;
The 13.7-mile wide caldera is one of three “supervolcanoes” in the United States; the others are in Yellowstone Caldera in Wyoming, and Long Valley Caldera in California. The last time the Valles Caldera erupted it emitted 150 cubic miles of lava, propelling ash as far as Iowa. That was 1.2 million years ago.
The mountain on the left is the highest point in the caldera, Redondo Peak, with an elevation of 11,253 ft (3,430 m). It is a resurgent lava dome located entirely within the caldera. Redondito to the right, on the edge of the Valles Calderos in Northern New Mexico. You can see the park headquarters in the lower right.
Happy Mountain Monday!
Take care and stay safe. Thanks for stopping by and for all of your support -- I deeply appreciate it.
© Melissa Post 2020