News Release

Pecos NHP to Celebrate 4th of July with Special Hiking Opportunity at Forked Lighting Ranch

Date: June 22, 2018
Contact: Visitor Center, 505-757-7241

Pecos, NM: Eager to get out of the house and see something new?  Celebrate the 4^th of July with a hike through one of the seldom-seen areas of Pecos National Historical Park!  The 3.8 mile South Pasture Loop trail on the grounds of the historic Forked Lightning Ranch will be open to hikers from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4th. This moderately difficult trail follows old ranch roads through a shady cottonwood grove, along the bluffs of the Pecos River, and through the open pasture lands of the Forked Lightning Ranch.
 
Hikers must first check in at the Visitor Center to receive driving directions to the trailhead and a hiking map.  The trailhead is open from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; visitors must complete their hike no later than 1:00 p.m.  Dogs on leash are permitted.  Please note that the park is still in Stage 3 fire restrictions; smoking is prohibited.  This trail is exposed to the elements; exercise appropriate caution with regard to weather.
 
Legislation in the 1990s added the Forked Lightning Ranch property to the park, which expanded park lands from 342 acres to more than 6700 acres.  This vast scenic expanse of land offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the Upper Pecos River watershed.  Superintendent Karl Cordova noted that “This hike is a great way to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the National Trail System and offers the public a chance to enjoy the beauty of the historic Forked Lightning Ranch.” 
 
For more information about the park contact Pecos NHP at [phone] or visit our website at www.nps.gov/peco. You will also find our listings on the New Mexico True website (newmexico.org) and Tourism Santa Fe (santafe.org). Please like on us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PecosNHPnps or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pecos_nps).
 
From I-25 N: Take the Pecos/Glorieta Exit, #299. Left onto overpass, right onto Route 50; proceed on Route 50 for eight miles. At the village of Pecos, take a right at the four-way stop onto Route 63. In two miles, the park will be on your right. From I-25 S: Take the Rowe Exit, #307. Follow signs. From Highway 63, the park will be on your left.