Pecos National Historical Park

Things To Do Near Pecos National Historical Park

Pecos National Historical Park is dedicated to preserving the history of the Pueblo peoples of New Mexico. Visitors can learn much from touring and reading about the pueblos inside the park, and there are also other areas to explore. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to the park.

Hiking Trails

• Ancestral Sites Trail

  The Ancestral Sites Trail is a loop trail located behind the visitor center for Pecos National Historical Park. This trail passes by Pecos Pueblo and the mission church. Hikers will enjoy the views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Glorieta Mesa. You can purchase a trail guide from the visitor center.

  Location

  Visitor Center, Pecos National Historical Park

  Length

  1.25 mile

  Intensity

  Easy

• South Pasture Loop Trail

  South Pasture Loop Trail is located at Fishing Beat 3, which covers the southernmost stretch of the Pecos River inside the park. The trail traverses through pastures to stands of cottonwoods along the Pecos River and then back again to Fishing Beat 3. Hikers will enjoy the views of the Pecos River, Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Glorieta Mesa. The trail is only open on the weekend, and the last entry time is at 1:00 p.m. The trail closes at 3:00 p.m. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.

  Location

  Fishing Beat 3, Pecos National Historical Park

  Length

  3.8 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Canyon Road

  Located east of the Santa Fe Plaza, Canyon Road is home to more than 100 art galleries. The collections include hand-woven Navajo rugs, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, sculptures, paintings, and other artworks. Many of the collections are housed in historic adobe buildings, which are charming to view as you stroll down the street. Besides the art galleries, there are also many different types of eateries.

  Location

  Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM (historic district)

• Palace of the Governors

  This adobe structure was originally constructed in 1690 and was the original capital of New Mexico. Palace of the Governors was the site of the only successful Native American uprising in 1680, and it has been in continuous public use longer than any other building in the U.S. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, it displays 400 years of New Mexico history as part of the New Mexico History Museum network. The displays range from Native American history, the Spanish Colonial era, and the Mexican period. Visitors can view a stagecoach that dates back to the time of the Santa Fe Trail, an altarpiece made in 1830 for a parish in Taos, and other artifacts. Outside, Native American craftsmen display and sell handmade crafts, souvenirs, and jewelry. The Palace of the Governors underwent renovations in 2019.

  Location

  105 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Museums

• Museum of Indian Arts and Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology

  The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology serves to present Native American art, local history, and the culture of the southwest. It is one of four museums in New Mexico that are part of the Museum of New Mexico system. It is managed by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs in close collaboration with Native communities to ensure accuracy and respect. Besides housing permanent and temporary exhibits, the museum promotes research, interpretation, and the preservation of native cultures.

  Location

  710 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505

• Santa Fe Children's Museum

  For decades, the Santa Fe Children's Museum has been offering fun and educational interactive experiences to children. The museum's stated mission is to promote joy and discovery while "cultivating habits of inquiry in the arts, sciences, and humanities." Some of the activities include a bubble table with various types of bubble wands. The giant Whisper Dishes in the garden allow visitors to speak into them and be heard from the other dishes.

  Location

  1050 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Pantry Restaurant

  The Pantry Restaurant is a diner that serves up tasty American cuisine with plentiful portions. Some of their popular dishes include loaded nachos, French toast, the patty melt, brisket tacos, the carne adovada, and more. They serve breakfast all day and are open from breakfast until dinner.

  Location

  1820 Cerrillos Rd Santa Fe, NM 87505

• Liu Liu Liu

  Liu Liu Liu is managed by two partners who respectively hail from New Mexico and Taiwan. The restaurant is designed in an open concept with the kitchen in full view of the patrons. Their signature dishes include liver mousse, chicken, lamb bucatini, beef soup, and shrimp and squid with farro. One of their most popular entrees is the fried popcorn chicken, a Taiwanese specialty. They are open for dinner only.

  Location

  1722 St Michael's Dr, Suite F, Santa Fe, NM 87505

• Jackalope

  Founded in 1976, Jackalope features an eclectic mix of home furnishings and outdoor decorative objects, sourced from Mexico, the U.S., and other countries. They also have jewelry, clothing, plants, and other items.

  Location

  2820 Cerrillos Rd Santa Fe, NM 87507

• El Nicho

  Founded more than 30 years ago, El Nicho is known for offering unique, locally crafted carvings and other crafts. The store has a close relationship with the Ortega family of woodcarvers, and they also feature many other local artists and craftsmen.

  Location

  227 Don Gaspar Ave Santa Fe, NM 87501

How To Get To Pecos National Historical Park

Pecos National Historical Park is located 25 miles east of Santa Fe, New Mexico, off of Interstate 25.

From Santa Fe, the park is just minutes traveling east down Interstate 25 S. Continue south into Pecos on I-25 S, take exit 307 from I-25 near Rowe and drive four miles along State Road 63. The park is on the left.

From Albuquerque, you will take I-25 north straight into Santa Fe and then continue south into Pecos. Continue on I-25 S and take exit 307 from I-25 near Rowe and drive four miles along State Road 63. The park is on the left.

From Amarillo, you will take I-40 W and then I-25 N to Rowe. Take exit 307 from I-25 near Rowe and drive four miles on State Road 63. The park is on the left.

Address

1 NM-63, Pecos, NM 87552

Fee: Entry fee $0

The Glorieta Pass has been home to many peoples over the centuries. Pueblo and Plains Native Americans, Spaniards, Mexicans, Anglo settlers and automobile drivers on Route 66 have all made their mark on this busy area of the American western plains. Nestled between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Glorieta Mesa, Pecos National Historical Park presents the history of them all. Taking an RV through the park is one of the best ways to experience the historical landmarks and surrounding areas. You'll have no trouble packing up and going from site to site at will.