Palo Flechado Pass facts for kids
Palo Flechado Pass is a cool mountain pass in Taos County, New Mexico. Its name comes from Spanish words meaning "tree pierced with arrows." People also call it Taos Pass or Old Taos Pass. You can find it along the beautiful Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.
Contents
Where is Palo Flechado Pass?
This mountain pass is super high up! It's about 9,109 feet (2,776 m) above sea level. Imagine standing on top of a really tall building!
You can find Palo Flechado Pass in the amazing Carson National Forest. It's about 3.5 miles west of Agua Fria Creek on U.S. Route 64. There's even a small stream called Palo Flechado Creek nearby.
A Look Back in Time: The Pass's History
Long ago, Native American tribes like the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache used this mountain pass. It was part of an important trail from the plains. This trail led to and followed the Cimarron River. The river was sometimes called La Flecha.
Even after the Spanish arrived, the pass remained important. Native Americans, Spaniards, and Europeans all used it. They traveled through the pass on their way to Taos.
How Palo Flechado Pass Got Its Name
A special sign at the pass tells us more about its history. In 1706, a group of Apaches called the Flecha de Palo lived near the mountains.
One popular idea for the name comes from a Taos Pueblo tradition. After a successful buffalo hunt, people would shoot arrows into a tree at a mountain pass. This tradition might be why the pass is called "tree pierced with arrows."
Fun Things to Do: Recreation
If you love being outdoors, Palo Flechado Pass is a great spot! There are two hiking trails close by.
Hiking Trails Near the Pass
- The Elliot Barker Trail leads to a pretty pond. It then goes into a thick forest of spruce and fir trees.
- The La Jara Trail is found at Forest Road 5. This trail follows a stream in the Rio Grande valley.
