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Salt Mission Trail
In 1598 Juan de Oñate called this valley’s salt “one of the area's four riches.” To travel the Salt Mission Trail is to take a journey back in time and visit ancient Anasazi and Mogollon Indian ruins, prehistoric trade routes, and awe-inspiring mission churches. Explore the national forests and hike, bike, camp or fish among the pine, aspen and maple forests.
Tijeras
In the passage between the Sandia and Manzano Mountains lies a buried Indian pueblo with 80 rooms and a large kiva behind the Tijeras Ranger Station.
Moriarty
An old railroad town established in the early 20th century. Traces of the original New Mexico Central depot railbed can still be seen.
Estancia
Estancia Means “resting place.” A natural spring that has provided travelers with water for centuries. The cottonwoods that shade the streets and parks draw water from the same source.
Mountainair
The “Pinto Bean Capital of the World.” until the bean era ended in the drought of the 1950’s. Now, ranching is a mainstay.
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Franciscan priests, using Native American labor, constructed missions of adobe, sandstone and limestone for their converts.
505-847-2585
Quarai
Is the smallest of the three ruins and dates back to 1300 AD. The mission ruins, with red sandstone walls five feet thick and 40 feet high, are the most striking features of the monument.
Abo
Served as a major trading center. Larger than Quarai, Abo also dates back to the 1300’s.
Gran Quivira
Gran Quivira is the most extensive pueblo and mission ruins in the monument and was an important trade center for many years.
Visit the Salt Mission Trail
in the
Heart of New Mexico
Click for a close-up of the map
Salt Mission Side Trip
Abo
Pass Trail
Abo Pass is an 18th century trail used for trading and
raiding, as well as for travel by Native Americans,
missionaries, settlers, and ranchers. This trail connects
the Salt Mission Trail and El Camino Real.
Salinas
Pueblo Missions National Monument
505-847-2585
Visitor Information:
Mountainair Visitor Center
505-847-2585
