Arts and Culture

Dogs Explore Ancient Ruins at BARK in the Park Event at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Todd Brogowski

06 Apr 2026 • 1 min read

Adoptable dog Lucky Charms (or Charm, for short), was one of the FOMAS adoptable dogs on the dog-friendly hike in the Quarai Unit, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, Mountainair, NM - Todd Brogowski/Mountainair Dispatch

NPS Park Ranger Natalia Sanchez-Hernandez and Attendees before setting off on the hike - Todd Brogowski/Mountainair Dispatch

Saturday’s BARK in the Park event at the Quarai Unit of Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument was a success for both the Friends of Mountainair Animal Shelter (FOMAS) and the National Park Service, but most of all for the dogs. Along with visitors’ pets, FOMAS brought multiple adoptable and “fosterable” dogs for socialization and a chance to explore the sights and smells of the Quarai trails. Volunteers and National Park Service rangers were on hand to share information about FOMAS’ upcoming spay and neuter clinic and rattlesnake avoidance training. The morning hike, led by NPS Park Ranger Natalia Sanchez-Hernandez, took visitors on a dog-friendly hike through the Quarai ruins and the Spanish Corral Trail. Afterward, attendees had lunch at the Quarai Picnic Area.

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