Explore the remains of 17th-century mission churches and ancestral Puebloan villages in a former trading hub for Native American communities.
Just an hour from Albuquerque and on the outskirts of Mountainair, the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is a fascinating historic attraction comprised of the ruins of Spanish-colonial mission churches and ancient pueblos. Visit the monument to discover the relationships between Native Americans and Spanish conquistadors.
This protected heritage site was originally populated by local Tompiro and Tiwa Indians, and was a major trade centre. In the early 17th century, Spanish explorers arrived accompanied by Franciscan missionaries who began to spread Christianity to the indigenous people. However, by the late 1670s the entire Salinas District had been abandoned.
The ruins, buildings and structures they left behind are spread across the three cultural sites of Abó, Quarai and Gran Quivira.
Learn about the background of the national monument by going to the central visitor centre in Mountainair. Watch a short film about the history of the area, tour the museum and purchase souvenirs from the gift shop.
The closest ruins to the centre of Mountainair are at Quarai in the foothills of the Manzano Mountains, just 8 miles (13 kilometres) away. Stroll along the short trail to view the ruins, which include a square kiva, a subterranean Puebloan religious structure within the Spanish mission.
Continue through the national monument to reach Abó, located approximately 9 miles (14.5 kilometres) from the visitor centre. Walk through the ruins of the 17th-century Mission of San Gregorio de Abó to see the remains of the Resettlement Structures. These date back to the 19th century when settlers moved into the area. Book a ranger-guided tour of Abó's petroglyphs to learn more about the structures.
Make your way to Quarai, the most extensive of the three sites. Look at the ruins of the Inglesia de San Isidro and study the collection of artifacts in the museum.
To reach the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monuments, drive south from Albuquerque for about one hour. This takes you to the visitor centre in Mountainair. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day and admission is free. There is free parking at each of the three cultural sites.
