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Ancestral Sites Trail

Pecos, New Mexico

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

1.2 miles

Elevation Gain

89 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Jared Blitz

An easy trail that takes you along the old Pecos Pueblo and church

The park is easy to get to from Santa Fe. It's about 30 miles SE on the I-25 highway that leads you through Pecos.

Once at the park, the 1.25 mile loop trail begins and ends at the visitor center. Don't forget to stop in there. It's surprisingly nice with some terrific history of the area dating back to the Conquistadores as well as the Civil War.

Don't expect a great workout from the Ancestral Sites Trail. It's easily marked and flat most of the way. It's still a beautiful walk, however in spite of being surrounded by mountains and hills, you still get valley views with big skies only the desert can offer. 

Along the trail you will also come across ruins and Kivas (one you can enter). The highlight is the mission church they've been able to preserve enough to let your imagination run while you walk through its doors.

Since you are in the desert, I'd recommend visiting near sunrise and/or sunset if you can so you can watch the shadows and light bounce off the ruins and surrounding hills. The various plants also allow for terrific photography with early and late light that you also can only get in the desert.

Word of Warning: in the summer this place is a haven for rattlesnakes. For a less adventurous experience I'd suggest visiting in fall or winter seasons when it's too cold for them to be active.

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

Reviews

Loved the history of this Park. Visited in the winter time and it was definitely the best time to visit. We went on a Saturday and there were very few people and no worries of rattlesnakes.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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