Pecos National Historical Park New Mexico

Situated in Santa Fe and San Miguel in New Mexico is the Pecos National Historical Park. The park is home to thousands of acres of New Mexico countryside and archaeological ruins from prehistoric times, making it a popular place to visit and explore.

Amongst the ruins are the Pecos Pueblo and the walls of a Spanish Mission. A visit to the Pecos National Historical Park encourages visitors to explore these historical sites and the rich geographic features that make it a unique experience.

Things to do and See

Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center

While there is no entry fee to enter the park, stop by the E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center to plan your visit through the park. Trail guides are available to help guide you through the park’s main attractions. Rangers are also available to share information on the park. There is also a small museum on-site that has exciting exhibits to explore.

Exploring the Ruins

From the Pecos National Historical Park visitor center, the Ancestral Sites Trail is a 1.25-mile round-trip loop that is relatively easy to cover. It starts at the visitor center, and as it progresses, visitors get a glimpse into the ancestral sites of the Pecos Pueblos and the Mission Church. You will see beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Glorieta Mesa during your hike.

Guided Tours Pecos Pecos National Historical Park

Rangers or volunteers conduct guided tours inside the park, and tour schedules are available at the visitor center. The Ancestral Sites Tour is the most popular. A ranger will take you through the Main Loop Trail and share exciting facts about the history and culture of the Pecos Pueblo and other archaeological ruins in the area.

Glorieta Pass Battlefield

Located inside Pecos National Historical Park is a Civil War battle site. The hike from the visitor center to the battlefield is about 2.25 miles. The trail leads through winding forested areas where you get a look into the Civil War in New Mexico through signs along the path that share information about the battle.

Civil War Walking Tour

The Civil War Walking Tour is conducted by rangers who give a detailed presentation of the Civil War and the Battle of Glorieta Pass. Reservations are not required for the tour that starts at the visitor center and covers a part of the Battlefield Trail.

Fishing in the Pecos River

If you spend a few days in the area, you might want to drop a line into the Pecos River. The three-month fishing season usually runs from June to August. There are three different beats for fishing. Valid licenses and permits are required to fish inside Pecos National Historical Park.

Getting To Pecos National Historical Park

The park is about a 45-minute drive from Santa Fe and a little over one hour from Albuquerque, New Mexico. There are ample dining and hotel options in the nearby town of Pecos. Park address 1 NM-63, Pecos, New Mexico. Website.

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