Pecos National Historical Park: What to know about visiting this Southwestern gem

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This is beat 2 of Pecos National Historical Park's fly fishing section. Photo shot Wednesday November 19, 2014.

Rachel Driskell
Rachel Driskell Special to the Journal
Published Modified

Pecos National Historical Park nestled in the heart of the southwestern United States, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance.

The park's landscapes are diverse, ranging from rugged mountains and canyons to lush meadows and tranquil rivers. The Pecos River winds through the park, providing ample opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and simply enjoying the beauty.

With its diverse landscapes, ancient pueblo ruins, and rich history, Pecos National Historical Park has something to offer every type of visitor.

Here is what you need to know to make the most of your visit to Pecos National Historical Park (please confirm details prior to planning your trip).

Location

Pecos National Historical Park is located 25 miles east of Santa Fe, New Mexico off of Interstate 25. There is no public transportation to the park. Visitors traveling north on I-25 can take exit 299 near Glorieta, NM on to HWY 50 to Pecos Village. From Pecos, head south two miles on State Road 63 and the park will be on your right. Visitors traveling south on I-25 can take exit 307 near Rowe, NM and proceed four miles north to the park on State Road 63. From Rowe, the park will be on your left.

The Visitor Center serves as the main entry point and provides maps, information, and helpful staff to guide your visit. Ask about their guided tours.

Address: Pecos National Historical Park 1 Peach Drive Pecos, NM 87552

Events and Programs

Keep an eye out for special events and programs hosted by the park, such as cultural demonstrations, ranger talks, and interpretive programs. You can plan ahead by reviewing their monthly calendar.

Historical Significance

Pecos National Historical Park is renowned for its rich cultural and historical significance. The Pecos Pueblo, a Native American community, once thrived here. The remains of their ancient settlements, including impressive kivas and multi-story adobe buildings, offer a glimpse into their way of life. In addition to the well-known pueblo and mission, the park offers many other connections to Southwestern history and culture, including:

  • A stage stop on the Santa Fe Trail

  • Sites of the furthest west pivotal Civil War battle

  • New Mexico ranch history

  • Route 66 history

  • The summer home of Texas oil magnate Buddy Fogelson and his wife, actor Greer Garson, who developed many important and informative connections with the people and places of northern New Mexico.

Mission Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Porciúncula de los Pecos

The park also preserves the ruins of a Spanish mission established in the 17th Century. This mission, which aimed to convert the indigenous population to Christianity, is an important historical site that showcases the cultural exchange between the Spanish and Native American cultures.

Visiting Tips

  • Guided Tours: Joining a guided tour is highly recommended to gain a deeper understanding of the park's history and significance. Rangers provide fascinating insights into the lives of the pueblo people and the Spanish missionaries.

  • Hiking Trails: The park offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. The trails lead through both natural landscapes and historical sites, providing a well-rounded experience for visitors.

  • Photography: Don't forget your camera. The park's landscapes and ancient ruins provide endless opportunities for capturing photos.

  • Climate Considerations: Pecos National Historical Park experiences a high desert climate. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations between day and night, especially during the summer months.

  • Remember that it is illegal to remove anything from a National Park.

CIVIL WAR SURGERY
Dr. Robert Mallin uses a Civil War era surgical kit to explain how doctors would perform surgery during the Civil War. This was at the Visitor's Center at the Pecos Historical Park.
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This is beat 2 of Pecos National Historical Park's fly fishing section. Photo shot Wednesday November 19, 2014.
MORMON
Peter Guilbert, left, and Kevin Henson walk along ruts left from the old Santa Fe Trail in the Pecos Historical Park during 2008. The two men are on a 2200 mile walk to retrace the path of the Mormon Battalion who marched through the area from 1846 to 1847. The track is from Creston Iowa to San Diego Ca.
MORMON
Denny Henson and her husband Kevin are making a 2200 mile trek to retrace the path of the Mormon Battalion. They visited areas of the Pecos Historical Park in 2008.
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A stack of Springfield muskets are part of a Civil War Union encampment at the Pecos Historical Park Saturday March 26, 2011. The rifles and tents are with a group of reenactors, mounted infantry, from Fort Union. They are part of the Civil War Living History Encampment going on at the park this weekend. The encampment and demonstrations are to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Glorieta Pass.
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Roger Portillo, with a group of reenactors from Fort Union put bayonets on Springfield muskets at a Civil War Union encampment at the Pecos Historical Park Saturday March 26, 2011. The mounted infantry, from Fort Union are part of the Civil War Living History Encampment going on at the park this weekend. The encampment and demonstrations are to commemorate the 149th anniversary of the Battle of Glorieta Pass.
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Bruce Krohn and other reenactors are part of a Civil War Union encampment at the Pecos Historical Park Saturday March 26, 2011. They are part of the Civil War Living History Encampment going on at the park this weekend. The encampment and demonstrations are to commemorate the 149th anniversary of the Battle of Glorieta Pass.

Photos of Pecos National Historical Park

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