Glorieta Battlefield

Pecos National Historical Park preserves two sites associated with the Civil War: the sites of the Battles of Glorieta Pass. These sites include the Apache Canyon (also called Canoncito) and Pigeon's Ranch. Texan and Coloradan volunteers skirmished at Apache Canyon on March 26, 1862. The final encounter took place at Pigeon's Ranch on March 28, 1862. Texan troops withdrew after their supplies were destroyed at Apache Canyon on March 28. The battle ended the Confederate attempt to gain Federal supplies at Fort Union and the plans to invade Colorado and California. The park also preserves Kozlowski's Ranch, the site of the Union field headquarters during the battle. Much of the Glorietta Battlefield is still in private ownership. Visitors can access the battlefield by way of a self-guided interpretive hiking trail or a ranger-led van tour. The visitor center at Pecos National Historical Park contains exhibits and information relating to the battle. The size of ranger-led van tours is limited, please call (505)-757-7210 for further information.