Kit Carson Park and Cemetery
Explore the resting place of legendary frontiersman Kit Carson and other Taos pioneers in this historic park and cemetery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds for reflection
Kit Carson Park and Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the resting place of legendary frontiersman Kit Carson and other Taos pioneers in this historic park and cemetery.
"A historic site reflecting complex legacies and community sentiments."
Ask for Directions
Entrance can be hard to find; ask staff at Kit Carson House & Museum for help. :round_pushpin:
Respectful Observation
Be mindful of the cemetery's condition and community sentiments. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kit Carson's Grave
Northwest corner of the cemetery
The final resting place of the famed mountain man, scout, and agent, enclosed by an iron fence.
Historic Figures' Gravesites
Kit Carson Cemetery
Discover the resting places of other notable individuals who shaped Taos's past.
Park Ambiance
Kit Carson Park
A quiet space for reflection amidst historical surroundings, offering a unique perspective on local history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Navigating the Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ask for Directions
Entrance can be hard to find; ask staff at Kit Carson House & Museum for help. :round_pushpin:
Respectful Observation
Be mindful of the cemetery's condition and community sentiments. :pray:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven ground. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Details
Look for unique gravestones and inscriptions. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Ask for Directions
Entrance can be hard to find; ask staff at Kit Carson House & Museum for help. :round_pushpin:
Respectful Observation
Be mindful of the cemetery's condition and community sentiments. :pray:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven ground. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Details
Look for unique gravestones and inscriptions. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kit Carson Park and Cemetery offers a historically significant site, particularly for those interested in Western expansion. Visitors can see the grave of the famed frontiersman and other early Taos figures. However, the cemetery's upkeep and the complex legacy of Kit Carson himself are points of contention, with some finding the grounds neglected and others seeing the condition as a reflection of evolving community perspectives.
"The Grave of the Famous Mountain Man, Army Scout, Explorer and Indian Agent, Kit Carson is in the small cemetery with the confines of Kit Carson Park. The entrance to the park is a little hard to find but with the help of the staff at the Kit Carson House & Museum I was able to find it without too much trouble. Kit’s grave along with his wife Josefa and several other members of his family are in the northwest corner of the cemetery. Kit and Josefa’s graves are enclosed by a small iron fence. As I walked through the cemetery, I found that several other early historic figures that played a vital role in Taos and the surrounding area are also resting here. This was a very interesting and historic site located in the Historic area of Taos. It is well worth a visit, especially if you are into history."
Garry Thompson
"I enjoy history and decided to visit the Kit Carson Memorial Historic Cemetery. I was extremely disappointed in the upkeep of the cemetery grounds. The grass was tall, there was litter and trash everywhere, the entrance to the cemetery was vandalized, and some of the headstones were falling over (as they do over time). I witnessed that some of the headstones of the notable figures were vandalized with spray paint and even smashed. Visiting the grounds was extremely sad and a major disappointment. As National Historical Marker, you would think that there would be some regular maintenance done to keep the Cemetery in a presentable condition. But, I get it though. We live in a time where we have to show disrespect to anyone or anything that brought negativity and hurt to a society or environment, even if it happened 180 years ago. So what, it's history. It can't be changed and we can't take it back. We just have to move forward. But don't destroy and vandalize grave sites. Note, I do get the impression that the community of Taos New Mexico supports and condones this type of behavior to certain grave sites in the cemetery. But, I guess that's what you get when you have 15% of the population of Taos living just above the poverty line. Lock your gates!"
Dace Winkelman
"Very disappointed in the condition and overall shape of this memorial site. Pathetic that the City of Taos takes no greater respect and care of this location. It’s covered in weeds, rusting, bent up fencing, tomb stones and slabs falling sideways, tipped. The headstones themselves deserve professional cleaning and resetting with dignity. I’ve studied Kit Carson’s whole life and contributions and am appalled at the disrespect of this memorial. If you want to see a comparison of a site to a similar man/legend, look at Daniel Boone’s site in Frankfort, KY, the state capital. Not over done, but a tribute to the frontiersman he was. Note, he didn’t come close to the class contributions of Kit Carson, yet KY honors him with a worthy site. I’d like to suggest to the City fathers of Taos to go look at this site with a respectful, critical eye and ask yourselves if this is the best you can do? This should be a GEM in the eyes of visitors, not a trashed lot you have to wonder about. Sad."
Lee Serjak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The entrance to Kit Carson Park can be a bit elusive. Visitors have found it helpful to ask staff at the nearby Kit Carson House & Museum for precise directions to avoid confusion.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but visitors typically find street parking in the vicinity. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
Public transport options to Kit Carson Park are not widely advertised. It's best to check local Taos transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving.
The park grounds are generally accessible, but the cemetery paths can be uneven and unpaved. Visitors with mobility concerns should exercise caution.
Approach the cemetery with respect for its historical context and the complex feelings it evokes in the community. Be aware of the condition of the grounds and gravestones.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Kit Carson Park and the cemetery is generally free. It's a public space intended for historical reflection and exploration.
Kit Carson Park is typically open during daylight hours. However, specific hours can vary, so it's best to check with local Taos resources or visit during standard park operating times.
There is no admission fee to enter the Kit Carson Cemetery. It is part of the public park and accessible to all visitors.
Visitors are asked to be respectful and avoid disturbing the gravesites. Vandalism is a concern, so please report any damage you witness.
Yes, the Kit Carson House & Museum is located nearby and is a separate attraction. You can visit it before or after your park exploration for more historical context.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The condition of the cemetery varies. Some visitors have noted tall grass, litter, and vandalism, while others have found it to be an interesting historical site. +1
Besides Kit Carson and his wife Josefa, several other early historic figures who played vital roles in Taos and the surrounding area are also resting here.
Information on specific facilities like restrooms or picnic areas within Kit Carson Park is limited. It's advisable to come prepared.
The park contains the cemetery where Kit Carson, a prominent figure in Western expansion, is buried, making it a site of historical interest for many visitors.
Photography is generally permitted in the cemetery, but always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and other visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The gravestones themselves, especially those with unique inscriptions or historical markers, offer compelling photographic opportunities. The iron fence around Kit Carson's grave is also a notable feature. 
Yes, it is generally acceptable to photograph gravestones in a historical cemetery, provided you do so respectfully. Avoid intrusive photography and be mindful of the solemnity of the location.
Late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the gravestones, adding a poignant atmosphere to your photographs.
Look for unique epitaphs, weathered textures on the stone, and any interesting carvings or symbols. The anchor motif on Captain William M. Frayne's grave is a striking example.
Photos often capture the historical atmosphere, the weathered beauty of old gravestones, and the quiet solitude of the cemetery, sometimes reflecting on the complex legacy of its inhabitants.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, focus on the historical narrative and the role of scouts and explorers. Keep the visit relatively brief and ensure children understand the importance of respecting the cemetery grounds. Consider visiting the nearby Kit Carson House & Museum for a more structured historical context that might be more engaging for younger visitors.
🤔 History Buffs
Be prepared for the cemetery's condition, which some reviewers find disappointing. However, this can also be seen as a point of historical interest, reflecting evolving community sentiments. Visiting the Kit Carson House & Museum beforehand or afterward will provide a more comprehensive understanding of his life and contributions.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Be sure to ask for directions to the park entrance, as it can be a bit hidden. Embrace the opportunity to observe the details of the gravestones and consider the stories they represent. The cemetery's condition, while noted by some as a drawback, can also offer a raw and unfiltered glimpse into local history and sentiment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Kit Carson
While historically celebrated as a hero of the frontier, contemporary perspectives often acknowledge the negative impact of his actions on indigenous populations. This duality is reflected in the varied visitor experiences and sentiments expressed online. Some visitors focus on the historical significance and his role in exploration, while others are more critical, acknowledging the pain and suffering associated with his military campaigns.
Understanding this historical context is crucial for visitors. The cemetery, therefore, becomes not just a burial site but a place that prompts reflection on the multifaceted nature of history and the differing interpretations of its figures.
Cemetery Conditions and Community Sentiment
However, other perspectives suggest that the cemetery's condition may reflect a deliberate community sentiment. One reviewer noted that the complaints about upkeep come from those whose ancestors are not represented there, implying that the current state might be a statement about the historical injustices associated with figures like Kit Carson. This viewpoint suggests that the cemetery's appearance is tied to a broader conversation about historical narratives and who is honored.
This divergence in opinion underscores the sensitive nature of historical sites that are tied to controversial figures. While some visitors seek a well-maintained memorial, others find meaning in the cemetery's current state as a reflection of evolving historical understanding and local feelings.
Navigating Taos's Historical Landscape
For those interested in a deeper dive into the life and times of Kit Carson, visiting the nearby Kit Carson House & Museum is highly recommended. This museum provides further context and artifacts related to his life and the era in which he lived, complementing the experience of visiting his grave.
When exploring Taos's historical sites, it's beneficial to be aware of the various perspectives on its history. Engaging with local information and understanding the community's relationship with its historical figures can enrich your visit and provide a more nuanced appreciation of the area's complex past.
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