glorietta battlefield

As a "civil war buff" this was a real find and long overdue. Battle of Glorietta has been called by some the "Gettysburg of the west". Perhaps an over-statement, but still of major importance in the west. Good signage explaining the battle on 2.25 mile walk. Area was very open in the 1860s, but today walk meanders through 20 foot high forest that offers great shade and nice views. Easy walk, mostly level, and well maintained. Special paved path for handicapped. Very interesting rock outcropping, too. If looking for nice stop for lunch, head back 7 miles to Pecos National Park and continue mile or so into Pecos Village and check out Frank's "Casanova"; quite reasonable and neat decor.

This Park is newly open to the public. You do not need to arrange for a tour The gate was closed, but not locked...just push it open to park in the parking lot. Or you can park outside and just walk in.Grab a laminated Walking Trail Brochure for a very in-depth historical review of the Civil War battles fought here. The area is beautiful as well. We saw many birds to identify.A big THANK YOU to the Parks Dept. for developing this.

We visited Pecos National Park for Civil War Weekend, the yearly event commemorating the Battle of Glorieta Pass, where the Union army turned back the Confederates. Taking the Tour was certainly the right thing to do, since we got to see/visit many sites not readily open to the general public. Also, seeing the Civil War re-enactors, along with their 150 year old weapons was a real treat. I highly recommend visiting on Civil War Weekend (last weekend in March).

We took the tour at the main ranger station. Every ranger there were super helpful.Daily 9am tour is a must have if you can make it. Peco is a bit drive from Santa Fe so you have to plan it.I didn't get to take the van tour. It gets very hot so be prepared for heat during spring and summer.

The park Rangers offer a detailed walking tour pamphlet of this 2+ miles walk/hike for $2.00 if you want additional details as you walk along the battleground however we found the detailed signs posted by the park sufficient. You definitely have to stop by the park's visitor's center for directions to the site and a pass code for the gate to be able to access the grounds.

Did you know the civil war touched New Mexico and Colorado? One of the pivotal fights of the war took place at Glorieta in 1862. Chivington became a hero and the Texans had to retreat, ruining their plan to march to the Pacific Coast. You will learn more than you ever thought you knew about this battle and you will see the places it happened and stand in the places that people were shot and maybe find a hole in a tree where a cannon was fired, and maybe get some great exercise on this wonderful trail with great historic interpretive markers. I highly recommend Glorieta Battlefield, located inside Pecos National Historic Park.

Just wanted to point out that Glorieta is spelled with one 't' not two. Might make it easier for people to find this page so they can review!