Last updated: May 15, 2025
Thing to Do
Hiking Glorieta Pass Battlefield
NPS Photo
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 had largely cleared Glorieta Pass of wood by 1862. Standing on Windmill Hill gives visitors the opportunity to see the terrain of the battlefield. Continuing the hike to Artillery Ridge allows visitors to stand near the position where the Union positioned mountain howitzers.
The parking lot for the trail is behind a locked gate; please visit the E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center or call 505-757-7241 for directions to the Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail and to get the combination for the lock.
The trail is considered moderately strenuous; it is 2.25 miles long with approximately 500 feet of elevation change, and is composed of a dirt and gravel composite. There is a picnic table and a vault toilet; no other amenities are available at the trailhead. Please bring water and wear sunscreen. Pets are allowed on the trail provided they are leashed and under control.
The parking lot for the trail is behind a locked gate; please visit the E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center or call 505-757-7241 for directions to the Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail and to get the combination for the lock.
The trail is considered moderately strenuous; it is 2.25 miles long with approximately 500 feet of elevation change, and is composed of a dirt and gravel composite. There is a picnic table and a vault toilet; no other amenities are available at the trailhead. Please bring water and wear sunscreen. Pets are allowed on the trail provided they are leashed and under control.
Details
Duration
90-150 Minutes
Activity
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.