Groups heading to central New Mexico can learn about the Native American settlements in the area during a visit to Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Spanish explorers reached the region in the early 1600s and set up three Franciscan missions: Abó, Quarai and Gran Quivira.
Those sites are located in the mountains near the Cibola National Forest, southeast of Albuquerque. The main visitor center is situated between the three missions in the town of Mountainair. A 14-minute orientation film, a museum and a bookstore are highlights at the center, which is the starting point for exploration.
The focus of a visit to the Abó site is seeing the Mission of San Gregoiro de Abó. This structure, which dates back to the 1600s, was the hub of everyday life and a major trading post. Specialty tours showcasing the petroglyphs in the area are available, and they must be booked in advance.
A hiking trail at Quarai takes visitors to Nuestra Señora de La Purisima Conception de Cuarac. This house of worship was completed in 1632 and is the best preserved of the Franciscan-built churches in the area. The site also is a top spot for birding enthusiasts.
Gran Quivira was a vast city with multiple pueblos and kivas. A half-mile walking path leads to an excavated pueblo mound and the ruins of a mission church site. A small museum includes artifacts, jewelry and tools used by the Las Humanas people.
To learn more, call +1.505.847.2585 or visit nps.gov/sapu.
Top photo: Mission of San Gregoiro de Abó
Photo by CC Flickr/BriYYZ: bit.ly/2zh5h00
