Laughing Lizard Inn

10/30/2024

10/01/2024

Jemez Springs lies about 60 miles north of Albuquerque in Sandoval County, New Mexico. The drive starts with the heavy traffic of I-25 which remains congested after turning northwest onto US 550 in Bernalillo. Eventually, the traffic on 550 slows down, transforming into a calmer, more scenic route through many Pueblos.

After turning onto State Road 4 and passing through San Ysidro, Jemez Pueblo, and Cañon, a distinct sense of place emerges. The red rock formations and mesas, though not entirely unique compared to other parts of the Jemez Mountains, feel a little different here. They give the feeling that you are entering a massive, naturally formed castle with Valles Caldera at the center.

Jemez Springs is in the Santa Fe National Forest and is popular for hiking, fishing, and camping. But as the name implies, it is most notable for the many hot springs in and around the village.

08/14/2024

11/08/2023

Our rooms are updated and finished! #

05/28/2023

03/25/2023

Maxine Toya (Jemez Pueblo)
Maxine is among the most renowned potters at Jemez Pueblo for her storytellers and other figurative works. She learned to make pottery from her grandmother and mother. Over the years she has won numerous awards for her work at Santa Fe Indian Market and the New Mexico State Fair.
Image courtesy of Santa Fe Indian Market

03/12/2023

On Monday, March 20, visitors are invited to Chaco Culture National Historical Park to observe the sunrise at Casa Rinconada. As the sun rises above the horizon it will shine directly through two openings that flank the north entrance of the great kiva. These intentional architectural alignments acted as a calendar on the landscape for the Chacoans. This sunrise observation is limited to the first 100 guests. The gate to enter the loop road to access Casa Rinconada will open at 6:30am. If we reach the 100-capacity limit at Casa Rinconada, additional visitors will have to observe the sunrise at other locations.

The park staff and volunteers will be offering other programs throughout the day. There will be guided tours of Casa Rinconada (9am), Una Vida (11am), Pueblo Bonito (2pm), and a presentation about Trade and Turquoise in the visitor center at 4pm.

For additional information, you can call the visitor center at 505-786-7014.



Image description: The sun shining through two openings. NPS Photo/Davis

02/08/2023

Is Valles Caldera a supervolcano?

Valles Caldera has been called the Yellowstone of New Mexico, and to a large extent, it makes sense. Both are large volcanic calderas, and both still have geothermal activity. Yet, there is a big difference between the two—while Yellowstone is considered a supervolcano, Valles Caldera is not.

Womp, wommmmmmmp.

Only the largest volcanic eruptions are considered supervolcanoes, and Valles Caldera does not measure up. A supervolcano must eject more than 1000 cubic kilometers (240 cubic miles) of material, but the Valles Caldera eruption 1.25 million years ago “only” ejected 400 cubic kilometers (95 cubic miles). Impressive, but not big enough.

Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/-super-volcanoes.htm