Panchuela

About

Panchuela Campground offers a secluded basecamp at the edge of the Pecos Wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. At over 8,300 feet, the campground provides relief from lower-elevation summer heat while placing hikers within steps of the Panchuela Trailhead and the extensive Pecos Wilderness trail system. Panchuela Creek runs along the eastern edge, with four of the six sites positioned directly on its banks. The campground features three tent-only sites and three sites with historic three-sided shelters, each equipped with a fireplace and picnic table. All sites are walk-in only, accessed via a short path from the parking lot. The mixed conifer and aspen forest provides abundant shade, and in fall the aspens turn brilliant gold. Wildlife including deer, elk, songbirds, raptors, and occasional black bears frequent the surrounding forest. Nearby Cowles Fishing Pond and the wild and scenic Pecos River offer excellent fishing opportunities. Pecos National Historical Park, featuring prehistoric ruins, 19th-century ranches, and a Civil War battlefield, lies about 50 minutes away.

Directions

From the town of Pecos, head north on NM-63 for 19 miles. Make a slight left onto Windsor Road for 0.2 miles, then turn right onto Panchuela Road and follow it for 1.5 miles to the parking area. Panchuela Road is a single-lane road with pull-outs; watch for horseback riders and pedestrians.