NPS's Plan for the Glorieta Unit
excerpted from the National Park Service's Draft General Management Plan for Pecos, 1996

The primary objectives under the proposed action for the Glorieta unit would be to preserve the cultural landscape and interpret the Civil War battle that took place in the area. To accomplish these objectives a core battlefield zone was identified during the planning process. The zone includes the key vantage points used during the battle: Sharpshooter's Ridge, Windmill Hill, and Artillery Hill. As much as is feasible, structures and other features that were not present during the time of the battle would be removed. The landscape and structures that were present at the time of the battle would be stabilized and preserved in a way that would prevent the disturbance of archaeological resources.


Contemporary facilities would be developed outside of the core battlefield zone to accommodate visitor access and provide opportunities for visitors to understand the area's history. Sensitive site selection would minimize intrusions of these facilities on archaeological sites and the rest of the historic scene.

The Pigeon's Ranch structure would be stabilized and interpreted from the outside. A 3-mile loop trail would be constructed to interpret the battlefield landmarks, such as Sharpshooter's Ridge, Windmill Hill, and Artillery Hill, to help visitors visualize the scene and events that took place during the battle.

Additional research would be needed to identify any other Glorieta battlefield features that would need to be preserved and interpreted as part of the Santa Fe Trail scene or the Civil War battle. The trails in this unit would be linked with the new Santa Fe trail when it is developed.

A small pullout would be developed near Windmill Hill at an existing disturbed site to provide access from the west. Here, a short trail would lead to a panoramic view of the battlefield, which would be accompanied by an interpretive exhibit. The trail would continue to the top of Windmill Hill for another panoramic view and the further interpretation of the strategic use of the hill during the battle. This interpretive stop would provide visitors with the story of the battle from a perspective of Confederate troops moving through the area from the west.

Because Cañoncito would be best interpreted from an overlook, an interpretive exhibit with spaces for 10 cars and 4 oversized vehicles would be developed off the access road from I-25. Interpretation would explain the Civil War battle events that occurred at and near this site and the relationship of this unit to other areas in the park. The National Park Service would work cooperatively with the Forest Service and the Conservation Fund to develop an overlook trail to the top of the mesa. The new Santa Fe trail would be linked with the interpretive overlook when it is developed.