Pecos, New Mexico
Window to western wilderness
Where history meets vast, rugged landscapes.
At the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Pecos is a gateway to stunning wilderness and a storied past.
Once a thriving trade center for Indigenous peoples, known as Pecos Pueblo, the area later became the site of a Spanish mission. Today, the town is the perfect place to learn about this complex past and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness. This land is an ancestral homeland to the Pueblo peoples, with Jemez Pueblo maintaining the strongest ties to Pecos Pueblo. The traditions of Puebloans remain integral to the cultural fabric of the region.
What makes Pecos special?
Indigenous & colonial heritage
Discover centuries of history at Pecos National Historical Park, home to one of the largest settlements of the ancestral Puebloans and a colonial-era Spanish mission.
Site of the "Gettysburg of the West"
Walk the site of the Battle of Glorieta Pass, one of the most decisive western battles of the Civil War.
Santa Fe National Forest
Take a scenic drive or hike through colorful forests and volcanic formations in this mountainous wilderness.
Fishing paradise
The Pecos River provides ample opportunities for relaxed and scenic days of fishing, especially for abundant local trout.
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Parks near Pecos
Legend
- Partner Park
- Gateway City
More to know
6 days across the West
Explore historical sites, dramatic landscapes, and the beauty of the American Southwest with this six-day road trip from Oklahoma to New Mexico.
Exploring the Southwest's National Parks & Monuments
Discover diverse landscapes and rich Indigenous heritage of the Southwest on this two-week journey through three states.
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