Hiking

Hikers walking along the Ancestral Sites Trail

NPS Photo

Hiking Safety

If you plan on hiking any park trails, please remember to hike smart! Following the five steps below can ensure you stay happy and safe as you hike!

1. Stay Hydrated—water or electrolytes
2. Carry Food—salty foods especially
3. Wear Appropriate Clothing—jackets, gloves, hats, rain jackets/ponchos
4. Carry a First Aid Kit
5. Wear Sunscreen

 

Hiking Trails in Pecos National Historical Park

Ancestral Sites Trail

1.25 mile/2 km roundtrip loop
Difficulty: Easy (gravel/dirt)
Elevation Change: 80 ft/23 m

The trail starts right behind the visitor center. It gives you a glimpse into the past as you pass by the ancestral sites of the Pecos Pueblo and the mission church. You will also enjoy beautiful vistas of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Glorieta Mesa as you venture around the trail. Dogs are allowed on leash. Trail guides are available to purchase at the visitor center.

Glorieta Battlefield Trail

2.25 mile/3.6 km roundtrip loop
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (unpaved/gravel)
Elevation Change: 500 ft/152 m

The trailhead is a 7.5 mile drive from the visitor center and is behind a locked gate. Please visit the visitor center to get the gate code to access the trail. Winding through a forested area, this trail gives you a detailed look into the Civil War in New Mexico. As you walk around the trail, you will see wayside signs about the battle. Additional trail markers are along the trail that correspond with a trail guide. Dogs are allowed on leash. Trail guides are available for purchase at the visitor center.

To reach the Glorieta Battlefield Trail, drive 2.1 miles south from the main park gate and turn right on Old Denver Highway (unsigned). Continue 5.5 miles northwest, including a short gravel section. Road ends at locked gate marking the trailhead. Visit the Pecos NHP visitor center for the gate code. Please lock the gate behind you.

South Pasture Loop Trail

3.8 mile/6.12 km roundtrip loop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (gravel/dirt)
Elevation Change: 100 ft/30 m

This old ranching road-turned-trail starts 0.7 miles south of the Trading Post and winds its way through pasture lands. As you hike along the trail, you'll pass through a grove of cottonwoods along the Pecos River. The trail then loops back through pasture lands before ending back at the trailhead. This trail has expansive views of the Pecos River, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and Glorieta Mesa.

To reach the trail, drive 0.75 miles south on Highway 63 from the main park gate. Turn left toward the Trading Post. Continue another 0.7 miles south on a gravel road to arrive at a blue gate marking the trailhead parking.
Important Notices: Pets are not permitted on this trail. Last entry onto this trail is at 1:00 pm, as the trail closes at 3:00 each day.

Looking for more things to do? Check out the Things to Do page for other ways to experience the park!