Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Quarai Unit

Pictures just do not do the justice of showing this structures beauty. The main pathway that takes you to the structure is stroller and wheelchair accessible. The main pathway goes in a circle back to the visitor center and gift shop. There are nature paths to explore off the main path. As for the inside of the structure itself, it was a bit of a challenge to go through with the stroller, but it was possible. There are picnic tables to have a lunch or snack. It is a very well kept and clean park. The bathrooms were very clean. The gentlemen named Alex at the visitor center was so knowledgeable, helpful and kind.
I would just like to suggest that if you are taking your dog. Please pick up after them. I love dogs, but it was sad to see so much left along the path and in the structure.
Other than that, this is a must-see when in New Mexico. And it's FREE!!!

We attended a free stargazing event. The ruins were a perfect location away from the light pollution of the city. It was beautiful! We had a little history tour which was very informative. I also recommend going for a little day trip to walk around

Awesome little historical spot. It had history that I dont remember learning about in school and was very interesting to walk around. Easy enough walk for all ages

Worth it to go! Easy walk and access. Frre, no needed reservations or tickets. There are 3 different sites.

This is a great National Park but is well off the beaten path. It is worth it.

We visited the Park Service headquarters in Mountainaire and the ruins at Abo and Quarai. This visit was a highlight of our 3 week trip.
I was affected by what I saw and learned. I am now reading more of this history.
I recommend visiting these sights.

Very nice area. Was staying at Manzano Mountain State Park and decided to take the easy 8 mile trip...was well worth it!!! Nice paved path and a 1 mile primitive path if you want to hike a like more. Thank you NPS for all of your hard efforts, I appreciate it and I am sure many more people do!!! Somewhat RV-friendly, sign says no more than 30 feet. There are two RV spots in the parking lot.

Always fantastic! The rangers are top notch and really made our son feel welcome!

Beautiful site. Free and open until 4. Little spot to have lunch and bathrooms available. Small walk around the ruins and extra 1 mile easy hike if you want to see the ruins from afar.

Beautiful remains of a large stone mission. Helpful ranger and fun gift shop.

Well worth the time to see it. It is not large but the ruins are nice. The short 1 mile Spanish Trail provides nice views of the ruins.

Decided to take the family out and experience the ruins instead of hanging around for the balloon fiasco 🤣 what a pleasant ride and hardly any traffic. The site was very well maintained as always and an added plus was that fall is here and colors are already beginning to change !

My kids loved it! Free admission. Beautiful but freezing. Short trip from Albuquerque. Only 1 hour and 35 minutes.

New Mexico 01-2024 Quarai Ruins Pueblo Missions in the mountains of New Mexico. The medieval design architecture makes the Ruins look more like castle Ruins.

Walking around the ruins were very interesting and extremely cold with the wind wildly whipping around us. The temperature was 6 degrees.
These Ruins are located about 25 miles apart

Nice path that leads to the ruins with history along the way. Picnic area with great shade. Ruins are amazing and you're able to walk in them and see what life may have been like.

Beautiful place. Great paved walking trail if you have a dog with you and there is also a longer unpacked trail at this location too. Definitely recommend if you are in central New Mexico to sightsee

Interesting site. I am always surprised to find stone ruins in the US. I suppose the various TV shows/movies focus on Native Americans in tents and settlers in wooden structures. This was a large sophisticated Pueblo with some of the buildings 4 stores high. The church was a fine size and it will be interesting to compare it to other Pueblo churches which are still intact. Great tour from the ranger.

Absolutely beautiful. I had never been although I have lived in NM most of my life. I will definitely be on the lookout for more NM scenic opportunities.

The history and the landscape of this little spot is interesting. It's off the beaten path, but worth the detour if you can make it.

The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument consists of three Mission ruins in the beautiful State of New Mexico that you’ll need to drive to due to the distance between them.
Quarai Ruins: The Spanish Franciscan mission church of La Purisima Concepcion (1630) is the most complete remaining example of the three Salinas Pueblo Missions. On the edge of the plains, located at the eastern flank of the Manzano Mountains, stands the abandoned Tiwa Pueblo Indian village of Quarai (1200-1670). The village and the Mission were abandoned in the late-1600s due to drought, famine, and disease. The natives and the Franciscans relocated to pueblos located along the Rio Grande 50-miles away.
Abo’ Ruins: Located adjacent to the major east-west trade route through Abo’ Pass, the Tompiro Pueblo of Abo’ (1300s-1670s) was one of the Southwest’s largest Pueblo Indian villages. Natives’ homes are dominated by the Spanish Franciscan mission church of the San Gregorio de Abo’ which stood 40’ high.
Gran Quivira: