Places To Go

The E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center is the best place to start your journey through Pecos National Historical Park's storied past.

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E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center

The E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center provides visitors with orientation to Pecos National Historical Park. The visitor center includes a museum, exhibits, a Western National Parks store, restrooms and an information desk.

Visitors can pick up park brochures and trail guides, explore the exhibits in the museum, and talk with park staff.

The visitor center serves as the starting point for most of our regularly scheduled tours, and is also the place to find Junior Ranger Booklets and the NPS Passport Stamps.

 

The Trading Post, home to exhibits on the Santa Fe Trail, the Civil War battle, and ranching.

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The Trading Post

Built as a stage stop along the Santa Fe Trail in the 1850s, the Trading Post serves as an information center and museum for visitors interested in learning more about the Santa Fe Trail, Civil War, and ranching in New Mexico.

You can delve into all this history and more by exploring the exhibits at the Trading Post, and don’t forget to get your Trading Post NPS Passport stamp. Come and immerse yourself in the rich history of Pecos NHP at the Trading Post!

The Trading Post grounds are typically open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and the exhibits inside are open as staffing allows. Contact the visitor center at 505-757-7241 for more information.

 

Hikers begin the 2.25 mile loop at Glorieta Battlefield.

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Glorieta Battlefield

The Battle of Glorieta Pass occurred during the American Civil War in 1862. Confederate troops invaded New Mexico in a bid to control the resources of the West. This pivotal battle was a turning point. There are multiple ways to experience this historic place.

• For a drive-through visit, drive Highway 50 between the village of Pecos and the Pecos/Glorieta I-25 exit. Park and read the stone monuments to the volunteers who fought in this conflict. Keep an eye out for the adobe remains of Pigeon’s Ranch as you drive by. This old Santa Fe Trail stop was the site of the largest conflict during the battle. (Note: Pigeon’s Ranch is not currently developed for visitor use).

• For a historic walk (up to 2.25 miles round trip) on the battlefield, please see our hiking page. The battlefield trail is open from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm daily.

• Attend a ranger program to learn more about the Battle of Glorieta Pass.

 

"Don't fancy this place up, Rusty," Buddy Fogelson said to his wife, actress Greer Garson.

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Forked Lightning Ranch House

Built by Tex Austin in 1926, this Pueblo Revival Style building was one of the first designed by architect John Gaw Meem. He later worked on hundreds of buildings in this iconic style throughout New Mexico (and beyond). Tex Austin ran the Forked Lightning Ranch as an upscale dude ranch until the Great Depression put him out of business. Later, oil tycoon E.E. Fogelson and his actress wife Greer Garson used the ranch for gatherings, relaxation, and raising prize-winning cattle and horses. Read more about their stories here.

The Forked Lightning Ranch House is currently only open during regular ranger-led programs, typically several times each week. See the Pecos NHP calendar to see when the next one will be held.