The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument encompasses three units representing Ancestral Puebloan communities and Spanish missions. The stones of the Salinas Valley pueblo ruins are the faint echoes of the communities that lived there three centuries ago. Soon after Spain conquered and colonized Mexico, tales of great wealth to the north drew explores to New Mexico. Although they did not find the wealth they expected, they left their missions and religion to change the lives of the Natives forever. The Monument preserves the story of these two cultures. |
| Fees: |
Entrance fees are not charged. |
| Hours: |
Open daily except Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1. |
| Visitor Center: |
There is a main Visitor Center in Mountainair. Each unit has its own Contact Station. |
| Facilities: |
Each unit has picnic areas, a Contact Station, bookstore, drinking water, and restrooms. |
| Directions: |
The Visitor Center is in Mountainair, New Mexico, west of the U.S. 60 and N. M. 55 junction. See the page for each unit for specific directions:
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| Coordinates: |
Map Coordinates (NAD83) (Visitor Center): 34 31.218N; 106 14.522W |
| Weather: |
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| Regulations: |
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| Precautions: |
- This is rattlesnake country. Stay on trails and watch where you put your feet and hands. If you see a rattlesnake leave it alone, and report it to a Park ranger.
- Keep away from cactus.
- See Backcountry Considerations.
- See Backcountry Emergencies.
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