Just outside Santa Fe, New Mexico in Pecos, you’ll find Pecos National Historic Park. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson established Pecos National Monument over the same area, and control was turned over the Park Service. In 1990 the main unit of the park was expanded to more than 6,000 acres (24 km 2), including a large area of ranchland and archaeologically sensitive landscapes.
We really enjoyed this park! We started off in the visitor’s center looking at all of the artifacts that have been found there over time. We then headed out the back door onto the ancestral sites trail. It was the perfect short hike for us and our kids to stretch our legs, see some really neat historical structures, and get a glimpse of what life might have been like in the 1600s.
Spanish Mission
The main unit of the park also protects the remains of Mission Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Porciúncula de los Pecos, a Spanish mission near the pueblo built in the early 17th century. A 1.25-mile (2 km) self-guiding trail begins at the nearby visitor center and winds through the ruins of Pecos Pueblo and the mission church.
Forked Lightning Ranch
Another part of the park is the Forked Lightning Ranch, a cattle ranch established in the 1920s by Tex Austin, a famous producer of rodeos. It was headquartered at the Kozlowski’s Stage Stop and Tavern, a stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail that had also served as a Union forces encampment before the Battle of Glorieta Pass. It was only a cattle ranch for a time before Austin converted it into a dude ranch which he promoted to Easterners.
The main ranch was designed by John Gaw Meem in the Pueblo Revival style of architecture. Austin’s heavily mortgaged endeavor failed, closing in 1933. In 1936 the ranch again became a working cattle ranch, and in 1941 it was purchased by Buddy Fogelson, a Texas oilman who married actress Greer Garson. After her husband died, Garson sold her share of the park in 1991 to a conservation group, which donated it to the Park Service.
Things to do Indoors
Stop by the visitor center to talk with rangers and check out the museum exhibits with text in English and Spanish, a bookstore with gift shop, and a 12-minute introductory film. Don’t forget to bring your National Park passport to get your stamp as well!
Things to do Outdoors
If you are interested in enjoying the outdoors, they have that too! You can have a picnic in the park (two picnic areas, one next to the visitor center and the other near the mission church), go hiking, take a ranger-guided tour, and fishing on the Pecos River (with a special permit).
Hiking Trails
There are three trails that are open in the park at this time (2022).
Ancestral Sites Trail
Hike along the 1.25 mile Ancestral Sites Trail and discover the remains of the Pecos Pueblo and 1717 Spanish mission church. Allow for at least an hour for the main loop trail walk. Trail Guides are available at the visitor center, but I don’t think you’d need it. There’s signs with information so you know what you’re looking at at most points of interest.
The trail starts right behind the visitor center. It gives you a glimpse into the past as you pass by the ancestral sites of the Pecos Pueblo and the mission church. You will also enjoy beautiful vistas of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Glorieta Mesa as you venture around the trail. Trail guides are available to borrow or for purchase at the visitor center.
Battlefield Trail
For a tougher and longer hike, venture on over to the 2.3 mile Civil War Battlefield Trail and explore the history of the Battle of Glorieta Pass; check in at the Visitor Center and rangers will provide you with a gate code for access to the trail. The trailhead is a 7.5 mile drive from the visitor center and is behind a locked gate. Please visit the visitor center to acquire the gate code to access the trail.
Winding through a forested area, this trail gives you a detailed look into the Civil War in New Mexico. As you walk around the trail, you will see wayside signs about the battle. Additional trail markers are along the trail that correspond with a trail guide. Trail guides are available for purchase at the visitor center.
South Pasture Trail
A third trail option is the South Pasture Trail. It is open seven days a week, and you can ask a ranger at the visitor center for more information. This old ranching road-turned-trail starts out at Fishing Beat 3 and winds its way through pasture lands.
As you hike along the trail, you’ll pass through a grove of cottonwoods along the Pecos River. The trail then loops back through pasture lands before ending at Fishing Beat 3. This trail has expansive views of the Pecos River, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and Glorieta Mesa.
Important Notices: Pets of any kind are not allowed on this trail. This trail is open seven days a week. Please inquire at the visitor center for more information. Last entry onto this trail is at 1:00 pm, as the trail closes at 3:00 each day.
Summer Hours
From Memorial Day (late May) until Labor Day (early September), the park is open every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Please note that the Visitor Center is only open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Winter Hours
From Labor Day (early September) until Memorial Day (late May), the park is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Please note that the Visitor Center is only open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Fees
Entry to the park is free.
This park really is a hidden gem. They’re got some great hiking options and plenty to see.
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