The visitor center at Pecos National Historical Park is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM until May 3, 2025, and then from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM starting May 4, 2025. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
There is no entrance fee to visit Pecos National Historical Park. Admission is free for all visitors.
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Parking is available at the visitor center and Church parking area, with two accessible spaces. No specific RV or motorcycle restrictions mentioned. No overnight parking, and it is free.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Pecos National Historical Park, situated 25 miles east of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a rich tapestry of natural and cultural heritage. This park is not centered around a lake, but it is a vibrant crossroads where the histories of prehistoric hunters, Spanish colonists, and American ranchers intersect.
The landscape is dotted with the remnants of Pecos Pueblo and the Spanish mission, Mission Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Porciúncula de los Pecos, built in 1619. A self-guiding trail meanders through these ancient sites, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who once called this land home. The air is thick with the history of the Pueblo Revolt and the subsequent return of the Spanish in 1692.
The Forked Lightning Ranch, another significant part of the park, was once a bustling dude ranch in the 1920s, designed in the Pueblo Revival style by John Gaw Meem. Today, it stands as a testament to the area’s ranching past.
Seasonal changes paint the park in different hues; spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer warms the adobe ruins, and fall casts a golden glow over the high desert landscape. Wildlife such as deer and hawks are common sightings, adding to the park’s natural beauty.
For the avid hiker, the 2-mile Civil War Interpretive Trail offers insights into the region’s role in the Civil War. During summer, visitors can enjoy ranger-led tours and interpretive programs that bring the park’s history to life. While there are no summer concerts or canoe tours here, the nearby town of Pecos village offers a quaint charm with local artisans and historic sites to explore.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Santa Fe National Forest just north of the park provides camping grounds, allowing visitors to spend the night under the stars. Local outfitters in the area provide guided tours and equipment for those looking to delve deeper into the park’s natural and historical wonders. Pecos National Historical Park is an extraordinary destination where the past and present seamlessly blend, inviting travelers to experience the depth and beauty of New Mexico’s rich cultural landscape.
- Area (mi²)
- 11
- Annual visitors
- 50 709
- Established year
- 1965
Top 3 Facts about Pecos National Historical Park
A traditional kiva was built in front of the Spanish mission church in 1680, as a rejection of Christian influence, and when the Spanish returned in 1692, a new, smaller church was constructed in 1717, measuring the cultural and religious tensions of the time.
In this verdant sanctuary, elk and deer roam alongside rock squirrels and the elusive mountain lion. The Pecos River, winding through three miles of the park, hosts a vibrant array of fish and amphibians, while prairie rattlesnakes and New Mexico whiptail lizards inhabit the trails. Pinon-juniper woodlands dominate the landscape, interspersed with mixed conifer forests and riparian wetlands, supporting over 350 vascular plant species, including some rare and endangered flora. This diverse ecosystem is a haven for birds and nocturnal creatures like ringtails and bats, making every visit a rich and immersive experience.
In the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where late Paleozoic sedimentary rocks dominate the landscape, a striking geological feature stands out: the Alamitos Formation, a 1,500-foot thick layer of gray, fossiliferous marine limestone, interbedded with coarse arkosic sandstone and dark gray to reddish shale, a testament to ancient marine and fluvial environments. The landscape is bisected by the Pecos River, flowing through a valley flanked by foothills and mesas capped by the resilient Glorieta Sandstone.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Living History & Cultural Demos
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Volunteer & Stewardship
- Youth Conservation
- Scouting Partnerships
- Virtual Junior Activities
- Arts & Crafts
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Visit during the off-season to avoid crowds. Arrive early, park near the visitor center, and start with the 1.25-mile Ancestral Sites Trail. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water and snacks, and anticipate rocky terrain and limited shade. Pack for summer heat or winter chill. Rest often and plan meals beforehand. Enjoy the vistas of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for variable weather, sturdy hiking boots, and a multi-tool. Bring a tent, sleeping bag, and headlamp for overnight stays. Don’t forget water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Check the season for specific gear like warm jackets or insect repellent.
Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from wildlife, at least 25 yards, to avoid altering their behavior. Never feed or touch animals, and properly dispose of trash to preserve their natural habitats. Stay on designated trails to minimize impact. Respect the environment as you would your own.
Stay Informed
Stay on marked trails, avoid ledges and fast water, and check weather conditions. Follow park signs and rules. For emergencies, call 911 or park authorities at 505-757-6414. Stay informed, stay safe.
Seasons
Experience spring’s mild temperatures (50s-70s°F) and clear skies. Join the Night Sky Program with Santa Fe Stargazers in March or the Battle of Glorieta Pass Anniversary Civil War Programs. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with guided hikes and historical walks amid blooming landscapes.
Explore historic sites and night skies in the summer heat (80s-90s°F). Join the Battle of Glorieta Anniversary Commemoration in March, or daily ranger-led tours from May to September. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking rich history and serene landscapes.
Visit in fall, from September to November, with mild temperatures (50s-70s°F) and crisp weather. Enjoy the fall fishing season and the Night Sky Event, where stargazers gather to explore the celestial landscape. Ideal for those seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and cosmic wonder.
Visit from December to February for a serene winter landscape with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Though cold and snowy, the trails offer a tranquil, less crowded experience, ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Be prepared for possible delays and trail closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Pecos National Historical Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The drive from Santa Fe to Pecos National Historical Park is approximately 28 miles and takes about 36 minutes. The park is located 25 miles east of Santa Fe off of Interstate 25. You can take exit 299 near Glorieta or exit 307 near Rowe to reach the park.
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The Ancestral Sites Trail is the most family-friendly hike, as it is a 1.25-mile self-guiding trail that starts behind the visitor center and takes about an hour to complete. It features signs with information about the ruins of Pecos Pueblo and the 1717 Spanish mission church, along with beautiful vistas of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Glorieta Mesa.
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Dogs are allowed on most trails as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet, but they are not permitted inside public buildings. They are not allowed on the South Pasture Loop Trail. Owners should ensure their dogs are not left unattended due to quickly changing temperatures.
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Yes, parking is free. There is a good amount of parking available, including space for campers, trailers, and motorhomes. Bathrooms are also available at the visitor center.
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At Pecos National Historical Park, you can see the remnants of Pecos Pueblo, which was abandoned by its people in the 1830s due to raids and disease. The park also includes portions of the historic Santa Fe Trail, a major route used from 1821 to 1846. Additionally, it features the Glorieta Pass Battlefield, where Union and Confederate forces clashed from March 26-28, 1862, during the American Civil War. Martin Kozlowski’s Trading Post and evidence from the Mexican-American War are also part of the park’s historical landscape.