At the main crossroads in Pecos, where Highway 50 meets Highway 63, Frankie’s Casanova (Hwy. 63, 505/757-3322, 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5:30–9:30 p.m. Tues.–Fri., 8 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5:30–9:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun., $9) is the best all-around restaurant in town, serving massive breakfasts (pork chops!), giant lunches (burgers stuffed with green chile and cheese!), and also rather large dinners, which vary from plain old enchiladas to pasta Alfredo with shrimp. During the winter, the place is open only for breakfast and lunch.

If you want to get an early start hiking, consider staying the night in Pecos. The Benedictine Monastery (Hwy. 63, 505/757-6415, www.pecosmonastery.org, $75 s) maintains four austere hermitages with beautiful views; the rate is a suggested donation.

Pecos Paradise Inn (14 Hwy. 63, 505/757-3669, $125 d) offers a few more worldly comforts: fluffy beds, a pleasant porch to lounge on, and a big fireplace in the living room. (Note that breakfast is not included.)

Several mountain lodges offer multiday packages with all meals and a variety of outdoor activities; Los Pinos Ranch (505/757-6213, www.lospinosranch.com, $125 pp) is one of the more flexible, with a minimum stay of only two nights.