Pecos National Historical Park: Discover 7,000 Years of History Near Santa Fe
Located just 25 miles southeast of Santa Fe amid serene woodlands of juniper, piñon, and ponderosa pine, Pecos National Historical Park spans 7,000 acres and preserves a rich history dating back 7,000 years.
Explore Pecos National Historical Park
The ruins date back over a thousand years. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
Begin your visit by touring the ruins of one of the Southwest's largest pueblos, over 1,000 years old, including remnants of an 18th-century Spanish mission church. See the ruts of the Santa Fe Trail and the original alignment of Route 66 that passed through the park. Visit the historic Forked Lightning Ranch, once a retreat for luminaries like Will Rogers and Charles Lindbergh, and later the summer home of Oscar-winning actress Greer Garson and her husband, Texas oil magnate Buddy Fogelson, starting in 1949.
Battle Site of the American Civil War
A cannon fires during a Civil War reenactment. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
Pecos National Historical Park is renowned as a key Civil War battlefield. In 1862, Union and Confederate forces clashed in the Battle of Glorieta Pass (March 26-28) in northern New Mexico Territory—the westernmost battle of the conflict. This decisive Union victory ended Confederate ambitions to control the West.
The Battle of Glorieta Pass
Combat unfolded across diverse terrain at Glorieta Pass. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
The battle featured infantry, cavalry, cannons, howitzers, and a 100-wagon Confederate supply train. Fighting raged along canyons, ridges, the Santa Fe Trail, Glorieta Pass, and Pigeon’s Ranch. Known as "the Gettysburg of the West," this pivotal New Mexico skirmish draws history enthusiasts from around the world.
Journey Through America’s Past
Witness Civil War artillery reenactments. (Photo courtesy of Santa Fe County)
Hike the 2.35-mile Glorieta Battlefield Trail for an immersive experience. Start at the park’s Visitor Center to obtain the access code, trailhead directions, and a detailed visitor map. Interpretive markers highlight key sites like Artillery Hill and Pigeon’s Ranch, which served as field hospitals for both sides.
Greer Garson Narrates Park History Film
Watch a captivating film narrated by Greer Garson herself at the Visitor Center. Browse the bookstore and gift shop for pottery, jewelry, books on local history, culture, and natural resources—perfect mementos to deepen your understanding.
Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides and dive into Civil War history. (Photo by Stan Ford Copyright 2017)
To fully immerse yourself, join a ranger-led guided tour on the 1.25-mile main loop trail through Ancestral Sites, exploring archaeology, cultural preservation, and the Battle of Glorieta Pass.
Visiting these sites offers stunning scenery and compelling stories. Plan your Santa Fe trip with the Santa Fe Visitors Guide and check for deals and specials.
This article was written in partnership with TOURISM Santa Fe and Santa Fe County.
