Education

Every Kid in a Park students attend lessons at Pecos NHP in 2018.

NPS Photo/Stan Ford

Please note: all school groups that seek ranger-guided tours must have at least one active, responsible chaperone per 8 students; the preferred chaperone:student ratio is 1:6.

Field Trip Requests:
First, contact us at 505-757-7241 with the details of when you wish to come to the park, how many people there will be, and to discuss what to expect when you arrive. Even if you'll be self-sufficient, we'd like to know when you're here to expect the students!

Groups not requesting any special park activities are welcome to participate in any publicly-available park programs, such as the trail walks, the park movie, and museum spaces.

If you are requesting a ranger led activity, please contact us at least six weeks in advance to make those arrangements. Some ranger-led activities include:

• An Ancestral Sites Tour through Pecos Pueblo and the Spanish Mission Church. This typically takes about an hour and focuses on the lives of the people who lived here before us. This easy hike is about a mile long.
• A tour of the Civil War Glorieta Pass Battlefield. This usually takes about an hour and a half to two hours and has a moderately strenuous hike of a little over a mile and a half. Note: this activity is less ADA-accessible.
• Curriculum-based activities for students from first to fifth grade can be arranged, but are very dependent on park staff availability.

It is the mission of the National Park Service to preserve and protect Pecos National Historical Park for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Please share these guidelines with your group before your visit to the park:

• Pecos National Historical Park is a unique, ancient place: Impress upon everyone that Pecos NHP needs to the treated with care to preserve its history and to allow future generations to enjoy its history.
• Stay on the trail: Remember that the ranger or teacher goes first and students follow. Watch for dangers such as snakes and cactus spines. In addition to being hazardous, wandering off trail can result in damage to park resources. Do not climb on any walls. They are fragile.
• Always think safety for yourself and others: Do not push or hit other students. Keep a safe distance from the edge of exposed kivas. Be careful when climbing ladders.
• Respect and care for all things: Nothing may be removed from the park; always leave what you see for others to enjoy. Likewise, take all your belongings home and take care of trash in the proper place.
• Keep actions and sounds from disturbing others: For example, please ensure that students allow others to enjoy the trail and walk without obstruction. Park wildlife should also remain undisturbed, including everything from rattlesnakes and birds to coyotes and elk!
• Dress for the weather and elevation: Pecos NHP is at 7000 feet in the Rocky Mountains: please encourage your students to bring water bottles and dress appropriately for the weather.
• Be cooperative and stay with the group leader: Listen to teachers, chaperones, or the ranger. Pay attention and participate in discussions. Please raise your hand if there is a question or comment.
• Don't forget this one: have fun!

A ranger displays a Junior Ranger badge and patch that students can earn on a visit to Pecos National Historical Park.

NPS Photo/Stan Ford