Park Photo by Eric Valencia
View of bridge from Forked Lightning Ranch House
WINTER TOUR SCHEDULE-Labor Day through Memorial Day
From September through May, rangers offer three guided tours each week (one on Fridays, one on Saturdays, and one on Sundays) to share insights into the rich crossroads of history and culture at Pecos National Historical Park.
Fridays-1:30 PM: Arrowhead Ruin-On this 90-minute ranger-led tour, see a 14th-century pueblo with 105 rooms and one kiva. The hike takes you off-trail through woodland in a higher altitude life zone than what you experience near the Visitor Center.
Saturdays-1:30 PM: Civil War in the West-Accompany a ranger on a two-hour van tour of locations relevant to the Battle of Glorieta Pass; you'll see Kozlowski's stage stop, Camp Lewis, Apache Canyon, Canoncito and Pigeon's Ranch, and learn about the fierce fighting that took place between Colorado and New Mexico Volunteers against the Texas Volunteers.
Sundays-1:30 PM: Forked Lightning Ranch House-Begin at Kozlowski's Santa Fe Trail stage stop and then see the bluff overlooking the confluence of the Glorieta Creek and Pecos River where Tex Austin, "Daddy of the Rodeo," hired architect John Gaw Meem to build a house. Completed in 1926, this structure later became the summer home of Pecos National Historical Park benefactors E.E. "Buddy" Fogelson and his wife, Academy Award-winning actress Greer Garson.
To schedule regular guided tours, please request a reservation at the Visitor Center or call 505-757-7241. Space is limited to 9 people on all van tours, so call for reservations in advance of the date you seek. There are no 'walk-in' spots saved on guided van tours. Please note that there is a $2.00 per person tour fee for van tours in addition to the $3.00 entrance fee.
For group tours or special requests, please call the Tour Coordinator at 505-757-7213.
SUMMER TOUR SCHEDULE-Memorial Day through Labor Day: From May through Labor Day, Pecos National Historical Park offers two tours each weekday: one of the pueblo and church ruins at 10 a.m., and an exploration of a select park component (different each day) at 2 p.m. Please see below for details.
Daily-10 a.m. Pecos Pueblo & Mission-Join a ranger or volunteer for a two-hour tour of the ruins of Pecos pueblo and mission. Enjoy an easy 1.25 mile hike that leaves directly from the Visitor Center to explore the compelling history and culture of the Pecos people.
Sunday-2 p.m. Forked Lightning Ranch House-This 90-minute van tour begins at Kozlowski's Santa Fe Trail stage stop. Next you'll be driven to see the bluff overlooking the confluence of the Glorieta Creek and Pecos River where Tex Austin, "Daddy of the Rodeo," hired architect John Gaw Meem to build a house. Completed in 1926, this structure later became the summer home of Pecos National Historical Park benefactors E.E. "Buddy" Fogelson and his wife, Academy Award-winning actress Greer Garson.
Monday-2 p.m. Civil War in the West-Join a ranger or volunteer for a two-hour van tour of Battle of Glorieta Pass sites, including Camp Lewis, Apache Canyon, Canoncito, and Pigeon's Ranch; hear about the characters and events that defined this often overlooked battle.
Tuesday-2 p.m. Lost Church-Take a guided hike to the Lost Church. On the 90-minute tour, you'll learn about the early missionary efforts of the Franciscan friars and visit the site of the first of four churches that were built near the Pecos pueblo.
Wednesday-2 p.m. Santa Fe Trail-This hour-long ranger-led tour of Kozlowski's stage stop and nearby trail ruts explores the colorful history, characters, and significance of the Santa Fe Trail as well as its role in "manifest destiny." Learn what fortitude it took for travelers to make the journey, especially in the trail's early days.
Thursday-2 p.m. Ecology/Nature-Let a ranger show you the rich diversity of natural resources and wildlife found in the park, near where the high plains meet the Rocky Mountains.
Friday-2 p.m. Arrowhead Ruin-Join a 90-minute exploration of a small 14th-century pueblo and its D-shaped kiva. Enjoy a short hike (nearly one mile) off the marked trails to explore the Arrowhead Ruin.
Saturday-2 p.m. Civil War in the West-Join a ranger or volunteer for a two-hour van tour of Battle of Glorieta Pass sites and monuments. Glimpse a significant, little-discussed aspect of Civil War and western history.
To schedule regular guided tours, please request a reservation at the Visitor Center or call 505-757-7241. Space is limited to 9 people on all van tours, so call for reservations in advance of the date you seek. There are no 'walk-in' spots on guided van tours. Please note that there is an additional $2.00 per person tour fee for van tours. It's a good idea to bring sunscreen, water, a hat and good shoes for all tours.
For group tours or special requests, please call the Tour Coordinator at 505-757-7213.
