Pink flowers and green foliage frame the roofless remains of a stone mission.

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

National Monument · New Mexico

NPS Photo

📍 StateNew Mexico
🏛️ TypeNational Monument
🎟️ EntryFree
🏃 Activities15
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Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

United States historic place

The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is a complex of three Spanish missions located in the U.S. state of New Mexico, near Mountainair. The main park visitor center is in Mountainair. Construction of the missions began in 1622 and was completed in 1635.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Tucked away in the middle of New Mexico you’ll find Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Its three distinct sites offer a glimpse into a unique time in history—a time entrenched with cultural borrowing, conflict and struggles. These sites continue to stand as reminders of the Spanish and Pueblo peoples’ early encounters and prompt exploration of today’s interactions among different people.

Park Photos

Pink flowers and green foliage frame the roofless remains of a stone mission.
Stone walls of a roofless building rise into a bright blue sky.
An solar eclipse outlines an old stone structure at Salinas Pueblo Missions.
A paved path winds through the stone foundations of several old kivas.
Stone foundations of an old mission structure.
A path through stone walls of an old church.

Activities

Operating Hours

Headquarters, Abó, Quarai, and Gran Quivira

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is open 7 days a week year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Summer hours (April 1st - October 31st) for Mountainair Headquarters and Abó, Quarai and Gran Quivira sites are 10:00AM to 5:00PM daily. Winter hours (November 1st - March 31st) are 9:00AM to 4:00PM daily. For Visitor Center Hours for Abó, Quarai and Gran Quivira, please click the Visitor Centers tab below.

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10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM10:00AM - 5:00PM

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument?

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument?

Popular activities at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument include: Astronomy, Stargazing, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking, Front-Country Hiking.

What is the weather like at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument?

Salinas Pueblo Missions is located at an elevation of 6100-6500 ft (1860-1980 m) in an arid climate. Average annual rainfall is about 15 inches. Winters can be cold and snowy. Summer highs are above 90°F/32°C with cool evenings. The months of June-September often have thunderstorms. Flash flooding may occur in the area. Abó is especially prone to road closures as a result. Spring highs average 75°F/24°C. Fall temperatures are a little cooler. High winds often occur, which may result in trail closures.

How do I get to Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument?

Reach the Mountainair Headquarters by taking I-25 south from Albuquerque to Belen, then NM 47 diagonally to US 60, then east 21 miles to Mountainair. To travel the historic highway route (Turquoise Highway) from the north, take I-40 east from Albuquerque to NM 337, drive south 47 miles (76K) to junction with NM State Highway 55. Proceed right (west) on Hwy 55 about 16 miles (26 K). Turn right on Highway 60 and proceed one block to HQ. Information on the ruins & surrounding area is available here.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

Salinas Pueblo Missions is located at an elevation of 6100-6500 ft (1860-1980 m) in an arid climate. Average annual rainfall is about 15 inches. Winters can be cold and snowy. Summer highs are above 90°F/32°C with cool evenings. The months of June-September often have thunderstorms. Flash flooding may occur in the area. Abó is especially prone to road closures as a result. Spring highs average 75°F/24°C. Fall temperatures are a little cooler. High winds often occur, which may result in trail closures.

Directions

Reach the Mountainair Headquarters by taking I-25 south from Albuquerque to Belen, then NM 47 diagonally to US 60, then east 21 miles to Mountainair. To travel the historic highway route (Turquoise Highway) from the north, take I-40 east from Albuquerque to NM 337, drive south 47 miles (76K) to junction with NM State Highway 55. Proceed right (west) on Hwy 55 about 16 miles (26 K). Turn right on Highway 60 and proceed one block to HQ. Information on the ruins & surrounding area is available here.

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Location

Coordinates34.3542, -106.2050

Official Resources

NPS Official Website