Pecos
It’s not a town or a city, but a village of the peoples of New Mexico.
It is also located at the headwaters of the Pecos River,
that has helped the community thrive for hundreds of years….
THE PEOPLE
First, we must acknowledge the Native Pueblo community that has been here for a millennium or longer. Today, their decedents still return every August for a special mass at their ancestral Pueblo at the edge of the village.
There is also a strong, closely knit Hispanic community that has been here since the 1600s—a part of the early Spanish land grants.
For the person who appreciates authentic culture, Pecos is a treasure of times that are fast disappearing from our lives and landscapes. Th only traffic jams are when it’s rodeo week and traffic is stopped for the cowboys and their animals making their way to the rodeo grounds. Or opening day of little league with a lineup of pickup trucks full of cheering baseball players with friends and families cheering from the roadside. Weddings drive through town after the ceremony honking their horns for all to see and hear. And of course, there is homecoming when everyone pre parks along the one main road to cheer with the cheerleaders and scramble for candy thrown to the crowd.
This town is a a slice of life that is almost gone, but such a blessing to be able to still experience it. At the heart of the community is the majestic St Anthony’s Bishop Lamy designed Catholic Church which still rings the bells by hand for Saturday night mass and twice on Sunday for the two masses. The church fills with young and old as their ancestors have done for hundreds of years. In our beautifully blended cultures, the bells ring not only for the passing of a loved one, they also ring for the Pueblo feast days.
PLACES TO EXPLORE
Then, there is the great outdoors of Pecos. At night, you will see more stars than you can imagine. Come day rise, you are surrounded by so much wilderness to choose from.
We can walk down the ancient dirt lane that takes off from the church parking lot and head down to the Pecos River between open fields with ravens and eagles in the trees.
Once at the river, there are rustic trails that go either upstream or down, and, of course, great fishing holes.
If you want a little more, we can head to what the locals call the Pecos ruins. The national historic park less than a mile away which are the ruins of the ancient Pecos Pueblo. The path is maintained, the views are amazing of the mesas and the mountains.
If it’s too windy or too hot, go to the Benedictine monastery for a shadier walk along the river and through the forest. The monks and nuns who live at the monastery are welcoming and it is wonderful to see them on the path in the morning.
If you want hiking adventure, cross the river at the Monastery Bridge and climb up to the top of the mesa and the entire mesa is open for hiking. You will find shrines to the virgin, old camping spots, trails covered in crystal rocks, blooming cactuses under the trees and so much more.
And there is the Pecos river itself. Head upriver from the house for 10 miles of river views, fishing sites, hiking, fishing and picnicking.
DINING
The little village has a great historical restaurant called Frankie’s for old fashioned breakfasts, green chile enchiladas and more. It is said that the burger stand next to the church has one of the best green chile cheeseburgers in northern New Mexico
HOMES FOR SALE
Want to move into a quieter life? Here are a few options in Pecos:
387 Cty Rd B64 – Log cabin, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3.597 sq ft, on 9 acres in Pecos Wilderness. $1,700,000
77 Silver Feather Trail – Pueblo style home, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2,450 sq ft on 1.07 acres. $1,370,000
33 Tres Lagunas – Mountain cabin with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,935 sq ft, gated condo. $1,250,000
3 St Anthony Loop – Restored Northern New Mexico style, 1 bedroom, 2 bath, 1998 sq ft, walled. $685,000
53 Cty Rd B44C – Farm/homestead on 27 acres, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, 1,540 square feet. $490,000
245 Sawyer Mesa Rd - Charming/off-grid cabin, 1 bedroom, 1 bath on 5.86 acres. $289,000
3 Velvet Rd – Two story, Northern New Mexico style 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, 1,408 sq ft on 1 acre. $249,000
Pecos is rich in culture, language and tradition. It’s authentic and alive. Consider exploring beyond Santa Fe, with a hike, a burger or a home in this historic and beautiful village. But the best part of Pecos is the feeling of being close to nature.
