Things To Do Near Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Start your adventure by exploring Mound 7 at the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Gran Quivira unit, which is the largest of the three units and contains the only fully excavated pueblo at this national monument. The pueblo dating from about 1550 is likely the spot where the residents met Don Antonio de Espejo, the first Spaniard to colonize the area in 1580. Then, move on to see the ruins of the mission at Quarai, constructed in 1627. Stop at the Abó unit, where you will want to see the Reoccupation Structures lying south and east of the mission ruins. These structures are the youngest at this site; ranchers constructed them in about 1815 when sheep ranching in this area.
Hiking Trails
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Gran Quivira Trail
Start the Gran Quivira Trail right behind the visitor center at Gran Quivira at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Climb along the paved route to the top of the mesa to see the greenish limestone ruins. See the ruins of the unique kivas that were used as houses of worship by early settlers. View the pueblos that residents entered through holes in the roof. Then, follow the long ramp back to the starting point.
Location
4030 Quivira Flats Road, Mountainair, New Mexico 87036
Length
0.6 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Quarai Trail
Start the Quarai Trail beside the visitor center at the Quarai site at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Climb the mesa to see the ruins. Stop and view the kiosk containing an artist’s interpretation of what the site would have looked like in about 1630. You will especially want to see the red sandstone ruins of the church of Nuestra Señora de La Purísima Concepcion de Cuarac. View the pile of stones where a watchtower once stood, and learn more about it by reading the informative kiosk. Then, take the trail to the right where you will find a shaded picnic area.
Location
122 Manzano Quarai Road, Mountainair, New Mexico 87036
Length
0.5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Abó Trail
Start at the visitor center and walk along the wide path to the old church. Then, wander on the paved trail to see where pueblos were located. Follow the looping trail until you reach the modern ramada with tables and a fire pit. Finally, walk by the old buildings constructed in the 1800s when the Spanish tried to resettle the area.
Location
105 South Ripley Avenue, Mountainair, New Mexico 87036
Length
0.8 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Manzano Mountains State Park
Breathe in the aroma of the pine trees at Manzano Mountain State Park. Bring along your camera as this is an excellent place for wildlife photography. The campground is a secluded place to relax, and you will enjoy seeing the birds near your campsite.
Location
County Road B062, Mountainair, New Mexico 87036
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Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge
See stunning views of the Ladrone Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley when you visit Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge, which is open for seasonal hunting, is an excellent spot to see deer and elk. Bird-watchers will love seeing songbirds in the spring and summer along with waterfowl in the winter. Follow dirt trails past caves and through wetlands.
Location
Exit 169, off Interstate, 25, La Joya, NM 87801
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Bernardo Wildlife Area
From March to September, Bernardo Wildlife Area is a fantastic place to go fishing. You may also see elk and deer coming to the water to get a drink, especially at sunrise and sunset. While you can see various raptors and songbirds throughout the year, the sandhill cranes are especially fun to watch in the winter.
Location
164 New Mexico 116, Bosque, New Mexico 87006
Museums
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New Mexico Bureau of Geology Mineral Museum
See gold, silver, and precious gems at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology Mineral Museum on the campus of New Mexico Tech. Over 5,000 minerals are on display, including some collected as early as 1889. Learn more about the Magdalena, Organ, and Santa Rita mining areas.
Location
1005 Bullock Boulevard, Socorro, New Mexico 87801
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Belen Harvey House Museum
Learn how Fred Harvey immigrated to America from England and started restaurants in many Santa Fe railroad depots to feed hungry travelers. In addition to feeding travelers, Fred Harvey was responsible for operating many of the hotels along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad.
Location
104 North 1st Street, Belen, New Mexico 87002
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Harold’s Southwestern Gifts
Select from a wide range of products from New Mexico, including heritage blankets at Harold’s Southwestern Gifts. You will love their selection of local syrups and jams. Pick up some new outdoor art to display at your RV site.
Location
714 Old U.S. Highway 85, Socorro, New Mexico 87801
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John Brooks Super Mart
Select food to eat on the trail or prepare at a cookout by shopping at John Brooks Super Mart. They offer a variety of foods, including many that are locally sourced.
Location
312 North California Street, Socorro, New Mexico 87801
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Alpine Ally Café
Start your day with an egg platter, breakfast burrito, or breakfast sandwich at Alpine Ally Café. You can also get terrific items from their bakery. Then, try their delicious hot and cold sandwiches for lunch or dinner. They also make fantastic fresh salads.
Location
210 North Summit Avenue, Mountainair, New Mexico 87036
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Mustang Diner
Select your favorite Mexican entrees, like tacos and enchiladas, at this locally owned restaurant. The owner is almost always there, and the staff is amiable. If you are not in the mood for Mexican, they also serve a terrific hamburger.
Location
605 US-60, Mountainair, New Mexico 87036