Large-volume ash flow eruptions and associated caldera collapses provide a direct link with subvolcanic granitic plutons of batholithic dimensions. The eruptive history, structural features, and petrologic evolution of ash flow calderas provide data on early stages of the evolution of an associated subvolcanic magmatic system. Broadly cogenetic, erosionally unroofed plutons provide a record mainly of the late stages of emplacement and crystallization of silicic magmas. This review summarizes features of well-studied calderas and ash flow volcanic fields in western North America, exposed at advantageous levels where both remnants of a volcanic sequence and upper parts of the cogenetic intrusion are preserved, in comparison with similar rocks elsewhere in the world. Primary examples include San Juan, Mogollon-Datil, Marysvale, Latir-Questa, Chiricahua-Turkey Creek, Challis, and Bouler Batholith-Elkhorn Mountains.