Pecos River

New Mexico

The Pecos River, famous in the folklore of the frontier, flows out of the Pecos Wilderness, through rugged granite canyons and waterfalls, and passes small, high-mountain meadows. The wild and scenic river corridor has been a popular recreation setting for many decades. Its popularity continues to increase, because it provides a cool, forested environment and waterway within the arid southwest; it also offers beautiful scenery and high-quality fishing. Some of the most popular recreation activities are hiking, camping, backpacking, hunting, and fishing. The wild segment is entirely in the Pecos Wilderness and provides opportunities for remote, primitive activities. The recreational segment is located along State Highway 63 and offers a range of day and overnight activities from Terrero to Cowles.

Recreational
Wild
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Designated Reach

June 6, 1990. From its headwaters to the townsite of Terrerro.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values

Culture

The river was designated for several cultural/ historic values; for instance, there are those associated with the historic home site of George Beatty, famed trapper, prospector, and mountain man. Also, prehistoric use during the Paleo-Indian, Archaic, Basketmaker and Puebloan periods likely invol...Show More

History

The area has a very rich history. As early as 1600, Spanish explorers began scouting the upper Pecos River valley for mineral wealth. With the coming of more permanent European and Hispanic settlers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the area saw increased use for grazing, logging, huntin...Show More

Recreation

The Pecos River has long been a recreational destination for visitors from the region, as well as from around the country. While the Pecos Wilderness adds value to the designation, most visitors come simply to enjoy the water. The river is regarded as one of the state’s most popular trout fishing...Show More

Scenery

Scenic values for which the river was designated include rugged canyons, waterfalls, and high mountain meadows. Dramatic landscapes of pine and spruce forests—interspersed with aspen patches, high cliffs and rock outcrops, mountain meadows of multi-colored wildflowers, and clear water cascading t...Show More

Managing Partners And Contacts

Classification/Mileage

Recreational Wild
Recreational — 7 miles; Wild — 13.5 miles; Total — 20.5 miles.
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