A Convenient Trip Into The Past – Salinas Mission Pueblos National Monument
by John Weckerle
I always find myself amazed when local/regional residents tell me that they have never visited Wildlife West Nature Park; how is it, I wonder, that people who live so close could go without seeing what amounts to a jewel in their midst? The same may be true for Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, which includes three sites located at Abo, Quarai, and Gran Quivira. I’ve visited the missions a number of time, and brought visiting family members there last week for an afternoon of exploring and learning. Each site has its own visitor’s center, gift shop, and small museum in addition to the main visitor’s center located in Mountainair.
Gran Quivira (more photos “behind the cut”)
We left Edgewood just a little before noon and drove first to Gran Quivira, where we picnicked before exploring the ruins. Gran Quivira is the furthest away, but well worth the trip. The views are breathtaking, and the museum provides a fascinating look into a time when two cultures existed together in close proximity. We then drove to Abo, the westernmost of the mission pueblos, and from there proceeded to Quarai. Quarai has long been my favorite of the three; it has a sense of presence, perhaps due in part to the fact that the church walls are tall enough to allow one to stand inside and experience a sense of grandeur. The red sandstone used in the construction of Abo and Quarai – far different from the whitewashed color of the missions when they were in operation – lends a beautiful counterpoint to the colors of the surrounding countryside.
Having taken plenty of time to enjoy each mission thoroughly, we ended our trip at the Greenside Cafe in Cedar Crest at about 6:30 p.m. Next time you’re looking for something to do for an afternoon, pack up a lunch and head for the missions – it’s well worth the relatively short drive.
Kiva at Gran Quivira
Another Kiva at Gran Quivira
Abo
Abo
Abo
Quarai
Quarai
Quarai
3 Responses “A Convenient Trip Into The Past – Salinas Mission Pueblos National Monument”
Thank you for the beautiful pictures, John. My family and I visited the site many years ago when we were fairly new to New Mexico. This is a wonderful place, and I remember that the Park Staff were very friendly and helpful. We haven’t been there recently because I now use a wheelchair and most of the site would be very difficult to make accessible.
I recommend it to everyone, especially those with school age children or grandchildren. It is really amazing!
You might want to consider giving it another look. Gran Quivira now has a ramp leading up to the ruins, apparently just finished within the past year, and paved paths through the ruins. Abo and Quarai also now have paved paths, which I don’t think were there years ago when I first visited them. Quarai and Gran Quivira both have wheelchair-accessible restrooms; I can’t speak for Abo, though, because I didn’t visit the restrooms there.
Thank-you, John. I will put it on my list of places to re-visit. I didn’t mention it in my last comment, but Wildlife West is also a great place, very accessible and we visit frequently.