Education

NPS Photo/Stan Ford

Getting Started

We’re excited to welcome your school group to Pecos National Historical Park! We ask that all educational groups contact us in advance: please e-mail us, or call 505-757-7213.

During this conversation, we will ask your group size, grade level, and desired visit date, so we know when to expect your group. We can also share sample schedules, self-guided materials, and relevant park information and maps, and answer any questions, to ensure you have the smoothest possible visit to the park.

Exploring Pecos National Historical Park

There are plenty of ways for you to explore Pecos National Historical Park with your students; most field trips complete some combination of the following activities. All activities are self-guided, and free for educational groups. Additional self-guided materials for school groups are in development; please contact us to discuss current offerings.

• Ancestral Sites Trail Hike (1 hour): Hike the Ancestral Sites Trail (1.25-mile loop; easy) to see structures that remain from Pecos Pueblo and the Spanish Mission. Using a self-guided tour booklet (all ages), learn about the lives of the ancestral Pueblo community that lived on this site, the effects of Spanish colonization, and how these connections endure today.

• Visitor Center Museum (30 minutes): Using a photo scavenger hunt (K-3rd) or learning worksheet (4th-12th), explore the interactive exhibits at the visitor center.

• Junior Ranger Booklet (30 minutes): Students complete at least three pages in a workbook (sections geared for K-1st; 2nd-4th; and 5th+), and then can earn their own Junior Ranger badge!

• Civil War Battlefield Hike (2 hours): Hike the North Loop of the Glorieta Battlefield Trail (1.75-mile loop; moderate). As you walk, learn about the Battle of Glorieta Pass in March 1862 and the story of the Civil War in New Mexico.

Field Trip Expectations

Packing for Your Field Trip

At Pecos, it can be hot, windy, snowing, or raining—all in the same day! There is limited indoor space for groups, so everyone should be ready to spend the whole field trip outside. At minimum, everyone in your group (students, chaperones, and teachers), should bring or wear the following items:

• Comfy, outdoor clothes that can get dirty
• Close-toed shoes
• Hat and sunscreen
• Extra layer (e.g. rain jacket, sweatshirt, etc.)
• Water bottle
• Lunch and snacks that do not need to be refrigerated
• Medications and assistive devices (if applicable)
• Pencil and notebook/paper
• Backpack with only the supplies necessary for the day

In colder weather (September through May), additional jackets, layers, and beanies may be necessary—be sure to check the weather before coming for your visit!

Expectations for Teachers and Chaperones

To have a safe, fun, and successful field trip, we ask the following:

• Contact the park in advance of your visit: e-mail us or call 505-757-7213 to discuss your plan.
• Maintain a ratio of at least one chaperone for every 8 students (K-8th) or one chaperone for every 15 students (9th-12th).
• Remain with students at all times—you are legally responsible for their welfare! If possible, each adult should be assigned to a specific group of students, and know who they are responsible for.
• Remind students to dress appropriately for the conditions and weather (and make sure that you are too!).
• Check to be sure that students have water, food, and other gear before leaving the school, getting off the bus, and throughout their visit.
• Communicate with the bus driver where to drop off and pick up the class.

Expectations for Students

It is the mission of the National Park Service to preserve and protect Pecos National Historical Park for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Please share the following guidelines with your group before your visit to the park. In addition, the park is currently developing pre-trip classroom activities about stewardship; email us for more information.

• Pecos National Historical Park is a unique, ancient place. Pecos NHP needs to be treated with care to preserve its history and to allow future generations to enjoy its history.
• Stay on the trail. Remember that the teacher or chaperone goes first, and students follow. Watch for dangers such as snakes and cacti. In addition to being dangerous, wandering off trail can result in damage to park resources. Do not climb on any walls. They are fragile.
• Always think safety for yourself and for others. Do not push or hit other students. Keep a safe distance from drop-offs, and be careful when climbing ladders.
• Respect and care for all things. Nothing may be removed from the park; always leave what you see for others to enjoy. Likewise, take all your belongings home and dispose of trash in the proper place.
• Keep actions and sounds from disturbing others. Allow other visitors to enjoy the site too. Park wildlife should also remain undisturbed, including everything from lizards and birds...to coyotes and elk!
• Be cooperative and stay with the group leader. Listen to teachers, chaperones, and rangers. Pay attention and participate in discussions.
• Don't forget this one: have fun!