Ortiz Mountains Educational Preserve

The Ortiz Mountains Educational Preserve incorporates 1,350 acres in the upper reaches of the Ortiz Mountains, including Placer Peak, the highest peak in the Ortiz range at 8,897 feet. Once a center of mining activity during the New Mexico gold rush in the early mid-nineteenth century, the Preserve contains several historic mine shafts. The Preserve is located approximately 30 miles southwest of Santa Fe off the scenic Turquoise Trail.

The Ortiz Mountains Educational Preserve is a spectacular natural area, a ponderosa and piñon habitat with everything from black bears (Ursus americanus) and coyotes to horned toads and antlions, and over 80 species of birds.

Hours of Operation

The Preserve is open for docent lead hikes and activities only.  Reservations in advance are required.

Reservations

Reservations can be made Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, by calling 505-471-9103 or emailing info@santafebotanicalgarden.org.

Volunteer

Please call 471-9103 or info@santafebotanicalgarden.org to volunteer.

Admission

Entry to the Preserve is free. $5 donation suggested.

Directions from Santa Fe

Ortiz Mountains Educational Preserve Trail Map - click for larger view

The Ortiz Mountains Educational Preserve is located approximately 30 miles southwest of Santa Fe.

From Santa Fe, take Cerrillos Road/Highway 14 south towards Cerrillos. Continue on Highway 14 past the turnoff for the village of Cerrillos, across the Galisteo River bridge, about a half mile further to the turnoff on the left for Goldmine Road/County Road 55. Note the collection of houses and a sign for the Preserve at this turnoff.

Drive southeast along Goldmine Road/County Road 55 to where it ends (about six miles from Highway 14). Please drive carefully, obeying all traffic signs and being alert for animals and blind driveways.

Call 505-471-9103 for reservations, to arrange a special tour, or for more information. Email info@santafebotanicalgarden.org