Visitors talking with a ranger about wildlife during the 2023 Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta. Photo by C. Lycopolus/NPS

VCNP News:

JEMEZ SPRINGS – The National Park Service is looking to expand visitor services at Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP) this year by working with local food vendors to offer different New  Mexican cuisines.

Currently, there are only light snacks available at the park. This makes it difficult to provide a comprehensive visitor experience, especially to out-of-town visitors arriving at the park in the middle of the day.

In addition to meeting basic visitor needs, local food vendors can enhance Valles Caldera experiences by offering visitors a chance to taste authentic New Mexican cuisine and learn about regional cultures with deep connections to the area.

“Food is a great way to experience a culture,” Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos said. “New Mexico has a rich tapestry of cultures and some of the best food in the world. We’re looking forward to expanding the experiences available to visitors through new food offerings.”

The park is interested in offering food throughout the entire season, which runs roughly May 15 through Nov. 15. During the weekends, the park can see more than 300 visitors stop by the Entrance Station. Furthermore, food vendors are being sought for the park’s upcoming special events. The first event, Sopapillas y Estrellas, is July 5. The second planned event, Valles Caldera Fall Fiesta, runs Oct 5-13.

Anyone interested in offering food in the park must apply for a commercial use authorization and meet U.S. Public Health standards. Please contact VCNP Special Use Permit Coordinator Brenda Montoya at brenda_montoya@nps.gov.