Last updated: May 18, 2021
Thing to Do
Hiking Glorieta Pass Battlefield
NPS Image
When Union and Confederate forces met in battle at Glorieta Pass, they fought for gold and for control of the Southwest. The Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail allows visitors to hike to several places where fighting took place. Though presently covered by a Piñon-Juniper woodland, locals and travelers largely cleared Gloreita Pass of wood by1862. Standing on Windmill Hill gives visitors the opportunity to see the terrain of the battlefield. Continuing the hike to Artlillery Ridge allows visitors to stand near the position where the Union positioned Mountain Howitzers.
Waysides along the trail will help visitors learn what happened where they are standing and in the surrounding area. Additionally, a trail guide is available from the Western National Parks Association bookstore to help visitors learn more!
The parking lot for the trail is behind a locked gate; please visit the E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center for directions to the Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail, and to get the combination for the locked gate.
The trail is considered moderately strenuous; it is 2.25-miles long, and composed of a dirt and gravel composite. There is an elevation change of 500 feet. Please bring water and wear sunscreen. There is a picnic table, and a vault toilet, on site for visitor needs. Pets are allowed on the trail provided they are leashed and under control.
Waysides along the trail will help visitors learn what happened where they are standing and in the surrounding area. Additionally, a trail guide is available from the Western National Parks Association bookstore to help visitors learn more!
The parking lot for the trail is behind a locked gate; please visit the E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center for directions to the Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail, and to get the combination for the locked gate.
The trail is considered moderately strenuous; it is 2.25-miles long, and composed of a dirt and gravel composite. There is an elevation change of 500 feet. Please bring water and wear sunscreen. There is a picnic table, and a vault toilet, on site for visitor needs. Pets are allowed on the trail provided they are leashed and under control.
Details
Duration
90-150 Minutes
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Activity Fee
No
Pecos National Historical Park is a fee free park. There is no fee for hiking the Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail is a moderately strenuous trail with steep grades. The 0.3 mile paved trail is more accessible and does not offer steep grades, but is not wheelchair friendly due to trail width.