We welcome your visit to the Very Large Array!

We request visitors purchase their tickets online ahead of time due to connectivity at the VLA. Admission is good for any time between 9 A.M. and 4 P.M.

Visiting the VLA:

• The VLA is open to the public 7 days a week from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. We are closed Thanksgiving Day (11/27/25), and Christmas Day (12/25/25).
• Admission to the site includes:
• Our Visitor Center including our documentary film, current exhibits, and gift shop
• Our outdoor self-guided walking tour (weather permitting) 
• The Gift Shop is currently open every day from 9:00am - 4:00pm, and closed for a lunch break from 12:00 P.M. to 12:30 P.M. 
• There may be times when the VLA is closed to the public without prior notice, such as adverse weather conditions or emergency site work. This includes access to the restrooms. Please always check the website prior to visiting to ensure access is available. Visitors can see the status of the site here, or call 575-835-7219.

Important Dates

• October 11, 2025: Fall Open House: Including tours by engineers and scientists, educational activities, and more! Details can be found here.

International Visitors

• If you have a billing address outside of the U.S., some European banks decline the transaction due to inconsistencies between security protocols. If your transaction is continually declined, please be assured we allow walk-ins the day of your visit. 

Cancellation & Refund Policy

If for any reason you cannot make the date of your admissions reservation, email [email protected] (Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm) and we will be happy to issue a refund or reschedule your visit. 

Inclement Weather Policy

By nature of its location on the Plains of San Agustin at an altitude of 7000ft/2100m, the weather conditions at the VLA can vary wildly and visitors should prepare for extreme conditions all year round. We will try to announce any site closures in advance, on our website or you can call 575-835-7219.

Please check the local weather forecast and NMRoads.com before your visit and if you have concerns about making the drive email [email protected] to request a refund. 

Some considerations for visiting:

• During April-August is generally the warmest months at the VLA, with temperatures ranging from 70℉/20℃ to 95℉/35℃. Please keep in mind the site is at 7000ft/2100m and adequate sun protection & hydration is recommended. 
• July to Late August is monsoon season at the VLA, which means frequent thunderstorms and lightning with little notice. Thunderstorms, and lightning, frequently form in the mid-late afternoon. If there is a thunderstorm, the Visitor’s Center is still open, and there will be notices about lightning in the area.
• November-February is the coldest months at the VLA, with temperatures getting as low as 32℉/0℃. There are chances of snow and ice forming at the site, which may result in the closure of the VLA to visitors (updates will be posted on our website).
  

Resident with Paying Guest

Residents of Socorro and Catron County receive free admission with a paying guest.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can view our do's and don'ts of visiting the VLA here.